The Meaningless Lives of Others

Last fall, I went to meet someone at their house up around Copper Avenue (fyi to non-Fresnans: this is the northern edge of the sprawl, where you can look out your back window and see that your neighbor is recently-bought and soon-to-be-developed farm land). In an bad mood, I parked in front of the house and tweeted: “In a neighborhood i don’t visit often. Beige boxes and no tree over 4 feet. Oh well to each his own.” I then went into a house with fortress-sized front doors and cathedral ceilings where I found the occupant making microwave bacon. Enough said?

Well, no. That’s not enough.

In my introductory anthropology class, my main goal is to show some forty-odd mostly young Americans that people in other cultures lead meaningful, satisfying lives. This may seem simple, but it is actually very complex. One problem is that accepting this point fully means recognizing that modern American life is not the pinnacle of the human experience, but just one among many ways of living — and hence beautiful, ugly, satisfying, infuriating, constructive, destructive, etc., just like life in other times and places. I’ve been at this for a while and I’ve achieved some modest successes, mostly through the rational presentation of sound concepts together with accurate information about other cultures and about American culture.

An even more general goal: helping people acquire the conceptual tools to understand any sociocultural situation, whether far from home or right next door. This endeavor brings a whole other set of pitfalls. For example, I often ask students to take an objective and sympathetic look at varieties of American life that they find disturbing. In a class about religion, for example, I introduce them to the Holiness (i.e. snake handling) churches of the American South through Dennis Covington’s terrific little book, Salvation on Sand Mountain. Here I find that sometimes, those who have accepted the premise outlined in the previous paragraph have great difficulty applying it to the snake handlers. Even after marveling sympathetically and relativistically at some very different and often challenging religions practiced far from modern America, some students can then turn around and apply to the snake handlers labels like “uneducated,” “ignorant,” ‘reckless,” and even “crazy.”

I have not yet gotten to the bottom of this problem. One possibility: It is one thing to admit that people in other cultures lead full and satisfying lives that include the practice of witchcraft and the use of oracles for divination. But it may be quite another thing to admit that people in modern-day America engage in such exotic practices as handling poisonous snakes in order to make real the Gospel, and that such people are also living full, satisfying and meaningful lives with no need of correction. Putting snake-handling off as “uneducated ignorance” makes it safe, and protects against the inevitable conclusion that we Americans, along with everyone else in the world, are a very strange lot. To avoid this conclusion, some students say, in effect, “They are not us,” or perhaps, “They are us, but if they had more education they’d be better examples of us.”

Which brings me to Fresno Magazine. Recently, Fresno Bee reporter Mike Osegueda posted news of an unfortunate comment by Fresno Magazine owner, Melanie Warner-Kennedy. FM sponsors the “Best of Fresno” poll in which FM subscribers vote on the best local businesses. The poll is a matter of consternation for some in Fresno for many reasons, including the heavy presence of chain stores like Taco Bell, which took the “Best Cheap Eats” category (or something like that: I can’t find the 2009 Best of Fresno results online). In a Beehive comment and an email to Osegueda, Warner-Kennedy essentially accused critics of “Best of Fresno” of being “too cheap” to subscribe to the magazine. Let’s agree that this comment was poorly thought out. What’s more interesting is that Osegueda’s post kicked off a lengthy and bruising string of over 100 comments, many of which included some very rough and often highly personal indictments of Ms. Warner-Kennedy and Fresno Magazine. (Two of the most thoughtful comments are about ten from the bottom, by “adrian” and “Suzanne.”) I read the entire thread with gruesome fascination. Why, I wondered, had Ms. Warner Kennedy and her magazine inspired so many to put so much effort into such virulent criticism? This question has many answers, I am sure, but here I want to explore one of them.

One big group of FM/”Best of Fresno” critics is the local creative community. I know this community well and may even be a member. They tend to be politically progressive. Many live south of Shaw Avenue or their hearts, at least, are there. (Another fyi to non-Fresnans: the area south of Shaw is relatively old and includes our struggling downtown; north of Shaw is newer, richer, and the main present-day locus of sprawl at places like Copper Avenue). They are engaged with and committed to downtown revitalization and a current buy local campaign. They tend to eschew chain restaurants and stores. I’m simplifying and generalizing a bit, but you get the picture.

Who do the above-mentioned critics perceive to be FM’s subscribers? (The actual breakdown of FM subscribers is beside the point for this post.) I’ve never heard anyone actually say any of this about FM’s subscribers, but I suspect this is a common view: FM subscribers are wealthy, conservative, eat at chain restaurants, and live north of Shaw in houses with over-sized doors. They are scared to go downtown and so they spend lots of time at River Park (a big shopping complex in north Fresno). Judging from the ads in FM, they spend lots of disposable income on plastic surgery. In short, they live superficial, materialistic lives in garish houses insulated from the “real” Fresno by their gated (non-)communities. To the extent that their lives seem so different and deficient, they are the creative community’s snake-handlers.

I’ve recently been reading Culture and Consumption II by anthropologist Grant McCracken. McCracken challenges some cherished notions about modern-day Americans, particularly the widespread belief that Americans are a bunch of consumeristic, materialistic sheep who are driven this way and that by clever, manipulative marketers shilling for greedy corporations. Against this view, he argues that Americans creatively fashions selves and lives with material things. Neither McCracken nor myself are naive: some aspects of American consumption are pathological and certainly unsustainable. But none of that changes the heart of American consumption, which is not pathological, but merely cultural. In a compelling series of essays, McCracken shows how Americans make selves, lives, and ultimately meaning, through the acquisition and cultural appropriation of, well, all that stuff, including the hipster’s hush puppies, those over-sized front doors, and my own house in a “cool” south Fresno neighborhood.

Taking all this to heart compels me back to Cooper Avenue. To paraphrase one of the more thoughtful commentators on the Beehive discussion, “The Fresno portrayed in FM is not my Fresno, but it’s someone’s.” And guess what? That someone is someone. They are surrounded by stuff which they (like I) have acquired and which they (like I) have imbued with significance on the way to making a meaningful self and life. I’m certainly glad to live in the Tower District and not up on Copper Avenue, and I can be smug about it at times (see tweet at start of this post). But when you strip away the posturing of taste, we’re not so different, really.

The bottom line: go easy on folks.

(Disclosure: I served for a year on Fresno Magazine’s advisory board.)

(Check out the film whose title I modified for the title of this post.)

104 comments

The issue you wrote of is also compounded by a ‘Perception of perception’. The people in the Tower feel as thought the people north of Shaw look down on them, their values, their choices and their lifestyles.

The people north of Shaw feel unwelcome in a culture that values creative abilities over trappings of wealth. They do not feel comfortable around people who sometimes pierce themselves with metal rods and cover their skin with ink, artistic or otherwise.

The issue, in my opinion, is one of defining a life as either artistic (and often spiritual) satisfaction or a life defined by career achievement and the material gains that reflect that achievement back to the achiever.

And there is a major distinction to be made here – an artist seldom feels as he / she is the source of the art, and seldom will an artist be satisfied by previous work.

The ‘achieving’ life believes they ARE the source of their success, they ‘MADE’ it in their field. And along with that perception comes a need to reassure themselves that it all belongs to them. It is also necessary to show the world your success so the perception others have of you is of power and success, much like a lion growls to scare away the lesser beasts.

I also had a working relationship with FM and they are a group that lives and dies on the perception that THEY are the hip group, the group who’s lives matter more and a group that devalues others quickly and values very few others. Their self worth is defined by what they have, who they know, what else it gets them.

Yes, we have to lighten up on each other, but we also have to grow a thicker skin when it comes to how others perceive us. We either have our self value defined from within or we surround ourselves with material goods that reflect our value back to us, and more importantly, to others.

Bob, thanks for your comments. I hadn’t thought about the life defined as “artistic” and how that presents a possibly unique kind of self-definition…but I’m skeptical. I didn’t draw it out in enough detail, but I think McCracken (and perhaps myself, still mulling it) would see the difference between defining oneself from within and defining oneself via material objects as an illusory distinction. Certainly, some people really are “materialistic” in a psychological unhealthy way, but they are far fewer than we think. Most Americans define meaningful selves through consumption of material things and (this is important) the appropriation of them into our lives. McCracken’s article in the book I cited on North American houses — their design and the objects in them – makes this point well. This is what is challenging, even radical, about his ideas: they rub directly against the commonsensical distinction we have in our culture between “materialistic/non-materialistic.” He’s not talking value judgment, but rather about a deep-seated (and not unhealthy) way of defining the self that is all wrapped up with stuff. Sorry, he takes pages and pages to make this point so I can’t do it justice here. Again, thanks for new things to think about.

I really enjoyed the article as well as Bob’s comment. I know myself personally when i see someone who’s different for example tattoos; when i see someone with alot of tattoos i would think that it would be hard for them to find a good jobs because they have so many tattoos. Reading the article and Bob’s reply is helping me to realize that i shouldn’t automatically judge right away; make an effort to get to know the person before judging. For all i know the person with alot of tattoos could have a great career and is just expressing themselves through ink.

I have a critical theory/theology background and spend my free time trying to figure out what sort of PhD programs I’d like to apply to (I have a couple areas of interest and experience). One of the things I often find (in books, discussions, classes, blogs, etc.) is that there can be a knee-jerk reaction against consumption from academics and left-leaning progressive types.

I completely understand this perspective because I often have the immediate urge to write-off North Fresno folks and America’s consumptive rituals. (I live downtown, yada, yada…)

But, by understanding them as rituals, it is mush easier to see how deep our cultural ties to consumption are and how there is often more thought put into purchases than we assume (the idea of performative identity, here comes to mind, as well).

That said, I’m going to look into McCracken’s text. I’m quite interested in a dialogue beyond “consumerism is bad” or some sort of pseudo-economic attempt to defend our buying habits.

Again, thanks for the thoughts. Also, out of curiosity, where do you teach?

I think you should consider compiling a book of essays such as this. It is very engaging, fair-minded, and compelling. “Go easy on folks.” Yes, indeed. I will check into McCracken’s book and blog as you suggest. One of my professors always used to say, ‘The problem with binary thinking is that you always get bimodal results.’ His point: Ask a better question. Structure a better research project. Discover at least 3 perspectives on any issue worth exploring.

Interesting article. In particular, I find it intriguing that you view this as an anthropological issue. Often Westerners are able to use an anthropological lens to see how far-away and exotic cultures are “quaint.” We can cut the Bwiti tribe of Gabon some slack because they are so different from us that we don’t feel threatened by them. However, it takes a great deal more insight to apply an anthropologically inspired non-ethnocentric view toward the people next door, or down the street, or a few exits down the freeway (or ON the freeway for that matter.) In particular, I’d like to point the finger at “liberal” or “progressive” Americans who view their lack of ethnocentrism as a badge–it means that they are “cultured.” We drink European wines, display Asian deities on our mantles or in our gardens, and throw latin american stitch-work throws over our sofas. Yet we have a great deal more difficulty in adopting a “post-structuralist,” anti-hierarchical, and pluralistic mindset that sees cultural values as relative when dealing with, say, pro-life Protestants or pro-military types that see it as America’s duty to expand her empire for the good of global security. It is easy to look down on people who don’t have enough cents to eat organic produce from Whole Foods like we do. But perhaps it’s a matter of cents and not sense.

And even more to the point, I have witnessed first-hand how the wealthier residents of Fresno feel more at ease vacationing in Tunisa than they do driving through black neighborhoods of their own city. But the yuppies, too, deserve to be seen as comprising a culture with its own set of values and prerogatives, I suppose.

Your article has really got my mind spinning as to the way people live. Fresno is a huge place and I think that people do as they please and go about their own ways. I have noticed that people who live in Tower seem much more artistic and down to earth. However, who you know in north Fresno can greatly influence your perception on their lifestyles.
I believe people desire certain things, whether it is a person’s culture or simply the way people are raised. Achieving or obtaining what people believe is right is how I believe people live. If someone wants to be a doctor because they want to take care of people and that is what they are determined to do then they will do so. If a person wants to be a doctor to make a lot of money and they are determined to do so, then they will. Whether these people are doing these things are achieving these goals for the right reason is for them to decide for themselves.
The way people live, or the religions they follow, is not for us to judge. Whether you live north or south of Shaw Avenue does not define who you are. I believe that all groups of people have their own values and their own ways of living. We as members of the population of Fresno, should not judge how the wealthy or the poor live but to observe.

Isn’t it a beautiful thing that has caused most Americans to want the 2.5 acres, 2.5 kids, 2.5 large S.U.V.’s, and 2.5k salaries? American life in general is disturbing, as I have stated in a blog I posted for a glimpse into why we do what we do (http://wp.me/pV5IR-3). What I find reckless and ignorant is the way media, the government, and socio-political venues try and mold such a vast amount of people of a geographically large area into mindless zombies all striving for their piece of the proverbial pie (i.e. suburban house, white picket fence, cars, kids, church, etc…). As per the “Best of Fresno” magazine, it seems that calling people “cheap” is a way to sway those on the fence of sensible morality that they need to be rich, and therefore if I buy this magazine I will be one of the elite, who are getting bailed out buy our government, be one of those north of Shaw, one of those who have attained the “American Dream”. The example I know best is “Uggs” a shoe/boot type thing that is a status symbol. Lined on the inside with fur it is supposed to be comfortable, but when you see that only an elite can wear them out of price, or stores that sell them, then it becomes clear that the economical situation of retail is to find the newest, best, hippest thing (i.e. iphone [ahem!]). These things do something to our psyche, perhaps to promote a sense of satisfaction to working ourselves to exhaustion just to have said item, to make it all seem worth it that we make 100k+ per year but never see our family, or have social interactions except with those from Facebook.

One, it is important as Americans to sympathize and understand why other cultures do what they do, like snake handling. And it is ‘convenient’ to call them naive or uneducated, but that’s all it is, convenient. What do other countries say about America’s obesity problem? America must be uneducated because if they knew how unhealthy it is to be obese, maybe they wouldn’t be. But we know, and we don’t care. So are we uneducated?

Two, it is important to note the difference in community between north and south Fresno. And I agree with you that we’re all humans and we’re kind of the same, but I feel the motivations from north to south very greatly. I, like you, are a south, Tower dwelling individual and I see this vivid transformation from one side of shaw to the other and I ask why is this necessary. If I was you, and were to walk into such a house with such doors and small trees, I would ask “Why is this necessary?”
Do these large doors serve any more a purpose than doors that are shorter?

So again, I ask what is the motivation? As you stated the content of Fresno Magazine is suited more for the North Fresnan than the South. They advertise ‘stuff’ and ‘higher activities’ to make you believe this is what you need in order to have a good, meaningful life. It just interesting that we have to have someone else tell us what is meaningful.

So I agree with you that we are all people and yes, we should be more aware before passing criticism. But I believe their is a dividing line, people who know what is meaningful in life, and people who need someone to tell them.

Ashley B, I disagree. By having a small door on your house, you are making a statement about yourself through a material thing. Others make a statement about themselves by having big doors. The only difference is the size of the door. The folks with the big doors receive identity satisfaction and social approval from their doors, and you receive identity satisfaction (“I know better than to want such a big door,” or, “I am glad I am the kind of person who doesn’t need someone to tell them how to live”) and social approval from your door.

The main issue with Americans stuck in there own culture is there sense of entitlement. This is also true of most individuals who reside in North Fresno. This entitlement epidemic, rampant in our culture, influences people in ways they do not know. As a native Fresnian I have seen cultures on the South and North sides of Shaw, specifically Tower District and Clovis changes in my scenery. The younger parts of my life were spent in the tower district. I learned of the art culture and the importance of human interaction. The middle part of my life was slightly awkward due to my placement in the uber-materialitistic Clovis lifestyle. These people focus on money, wealth, power, and status. While happy in there individual lifestyles, these people couldn’t interact effectively due to there differences of culture. ‘Fresno Magazine’ is marketing a Fresno that exists north of Shaw Ave. and within a mile radius of major freeways. Without equal representation of individuals, the magazine is not representing the true fresno culture. This divide in cultures leads to problems like our concentrated poverty, which leads the nation. It also limits the voice of the poor in a highly North Fresno cluture.

It’s amazing how critical some people can be, including the owner of a magazine who has given us a glimpse of her character. Ms. Warner-Kennedy’s comment has made her appear just as superficial like her wealthy-subscribers. Since when does being a subscriber to a magazine give a person their right to give an opinion about a particular issue? The community of Fresno is made up of every person, of every community, and of every cultural background. So in a way, every Fresnan has the right to speak out on their community.

This statement was taken directly off of Fresno Magazine’s website:
Our Mission: To celebrate the Fresno area by building community pride & awareness through a shared creative voice.
My question is, has Fresno Magazine’s owner been loyal to her mission statement by criticizing the citizens of Fresno for giving their opinion? “A shared creative voice,” is not being allowed if Ms. Warner-Kennedy does not allow it.

I have not had the opportunity to read the magazine, or perhaps I have and never paid much attention to it, but in order to attract more subscribers she should not be judgmental. I also noticed on the article written by Mr. Osegueda, that Ms. Warner-Kennedy allowed citizen’s to vote online, which is great but her commentary was unnecessary.

Many people in Fresno are struggling to keep the lights on in their homes, so spending money on a magazine is not an option. Yet, their voices should still be heard considering that the community is everyone, not just those chosen few. Obviously, the culture of Fresno is not located just in Northern Fresno, but in Southern Fresno as well. So if ever the need comes of trying to attract more people to Fresno, take pictures of the River Park area, considering that the revitalization of Downtown Fresno has yet to make any progress.

Fresno Magazine should focus on what Fresno really is, the true culture of Fresno, not popular culture; we have enough popularity contests on television. Fresno is not the clean-cut and extravagant city it appears to be. Fresno is affected by a very high crime rate, gang problems, poverty, and terrible air-quality. Kudos to Ms. Warner-Kennedy for keeping the magazine alive, but it is better for her business to attract customers and not create hostilities.

In closing, Fresno Magazine’s owner and editors should focus on the city as a whole, and not try to sweep it’s dirt under the rug. I am sure that their business would improve if they take a different more community-based approach. Perhaps even focusing on how Fresnans are doing their part in improving the city of Fresno.

I would like to start off by saying that is a very in depth article that covers a wealth of information. It is hard to summarize a simplistic response to the above post so I would like to break it down into sections.

The people in Fresno (like in many communities around the world) are a prime example of how material and non-material items can separate people. The statement towards the end of the article regarding how people are not so different keeps itching at me. I agree that we are not different in the fact that all people share the common goal of being individualized. This is why some people have an exquisite stain glass door and others have a small, classic oak door. They simply want to be recognized and associated with their true selves. This reputation of a person that is so often an issue within society becomes prevalent in every day actions and thoughts, all the way from houses down to who you say hello to in a store. The world is based off of people separating themselves from one click and associating with another. As I said, I do agree with the fact that all people (including Fresnans) are trying to individualize themselves so this does make them seem similar. The goals however, seem to be much different and their approaches are highly distinct. People usually associate with what they enjoy and if living on the North side of Fresno or living in the Tower District is what pleases them, then they have every right to pursue that. They even have every right to think they are better because who doesn’t want to believe that their way of life is superior (often the problem of many conflicts)? It is the people that allow room for growth and understanding that can truly see the world for what it is.

I may be naive in my thoughts but I would like to think that the younger generation of people in this world are fairly accepting of others. When I see a different culture from my own, that has completely unorthodox and foreign lifestyles to mine, I have never thought that the culture was uneducated. Rather the first thought that comes to mind is how different people can be and still be utterly happy. I know using a movie is a complete cliche but it is the best example I can think. The movie “The Last Samurai” is a perfect example of colliding cultures. For those of you that have seen this movie I would hope you see what I see and for those who haven’t seen it, I hope I am not ruining the movie. An American man comes into a Japanese culture that is completely primitive to him through a time of war. He does not understand their customs or their language but as time goes on, he sees the true value of the Japanese culture. He eventually adopts the culture and learns the language even though it was completely opposite from what he had known his whole life. Granted, a person in real life would not easily dismiss what they had been taught their entire life but it is a good starting point for how we should view the world. In my eyes, if a culture has thrived for a vast amount of time, then there is no reason that we should belittle their customs or call them uneducated. I understand that this is the point you are trying to make I just think that people are moving more in the correct direction than the credit they deserve. It is definitely a harsh world out their that will always be full of conflict, but people thrive in so many different ways it is hard to deny that they are happy.

The article was a great read that provoked a lot of thought. Even the smallest of actions like driving across a street can provoke intense feelings and possible hostility. The actions that people do after that initial thought process is what really makes the difference.

I completely understand this perspective because I often have the immediate urge to write-off North Fresno folks and America’s consumptive rituals. I’m quite interested in a dialogue beyond “consumerism is bad” or some sort of pseudo-economic attempt to defend our buying habits. The people in the southwest fresno feel as thought the people north west fresno look down on them, their values, their choices and their lifestyles. The people north west feel unwelcome in a culture that values creative abilities over trappings of wealth.
The issue, in my opinion, is one of defining a life as either artistic (and often spiritual) satisfaction or a life defined by career achievement and the material gains that reflect that achievement back to the achiever.

First of all, i really enjoyed this article. You covered some things that have been on my mind for a while. I have a relative that subscribes to FM. I was at his house (North of Shaw, for all of you that want know….far north of Shaw….) and decided to go through a couple copies that he had lying around. The Fresno that I saw in those magazines was FAR different from the Fresno that I was accustomed to. There were spas, restaurants, and shops that I have never heard of and will probably never go to. I looked through other issues of the magazine and saw pretty much the same thing. I remember being upset by it. I was so mad. I felt the same anger that I did in high school when I saw kids getting brand new Hummers as their first car. And just like in high school, I got over this anger fairly quickly, realizing that it was stupid.Just because I’m broke and think that spending anything over $15 on a pair of jeans is ridiculous, doesn’t mean that everyone else is going to or should feel that way.

When it comes to the rift there is between those living on opposite sides of Shaw if feels sort of like the “beef” between east coast and west coast rappers. Its sad. A friend of mine, “Tony” told my other friend “Sarah” (who happens to live north of shaw, and will not go south of it. Especially after dusk) that he was moving to the Iron Bird lofts. She had never seen them and had never even heard of them. When she heard that it was downtown her response was “Dang, thats f*ckin sh*tty.” This north side/ south side thing trickles down to what school you go to. I had friends that worked with Fresno City students. When they found out that my friends went to Fresno State they started to treat them different and said things like “Oh, you think you’re better than me because you go to Fresno State, huh?” That simply wasn’t the case. There have also been times that I’d read the Undercurrent and see coupons that could only be used by Fresno City College students, as if any other college student wouldn’t appreciate the deal that was being offered. I’ve often overheard people from both “sides” speak on how they view people from their “side” and the opposite “side”. From what I had heard, the Northsiders were better because they had “real” jobs and goals and took more pride in what they did, whereas the Southsiders were lazy, poor, or were just dirty hippies. The people from the south felt they were better because they were more laid back, artsy and more in tune with the human condition, where as those north of Shaw are materialistic, selfish snobs. Sure, there are some people who fit these descriptions but not everyone.

Very well put. People don’t understand how easy it is to shift from a meaningful life to a meaningless one. People strive to live a successful life, and when all get there we get consumed of having the best of the best things. People go from well priced stores to more luxurious and overpriced stores. One success leads to a detour in life. A life changing moment helps us get guided back to the right direction. We become well aware of our life and think about all the nonsense that we consumed in. We read this post from a southern Fresno resident; it was interesting to read a view point from a northern Fresno resident. I agree that no two people are the same, but it is easy to label a particular group of residences as being materialistic. I also believe that our culture perspective needs to change.

In the spirit of full disclosure, I live in North Fresno. Two years ago, my wife and I bought our first home. A box, like all the others boxes in the “neighborhood”. Three months ago, after deciding to move across the country, we started selling everything we owned. Everything from our bedroom set to cooking utensils (We still have a 2007 Altima, if anyone is interested 🙂 ). We created a blog documenting everything we were selling, posted everything to Craiglist and had a couple yard sales. It was an enlightening experience, selling practically everything we owned and it has changed our perspective on life. With every item gone, every individual walking out of our house with a piece of useless crap obtained from an overpriced store, we soon began to realize, life is much more than working to fill up our house with stuff. Some how, in some way, whether through cultural or commercial influence, we chose a life of working / busyness and not meaning. We valued our friendships and our community, but life became so busy that our priorities shifted from meaning to meaningless without a conscious decision. We now long for a simpler life.

With that said, I follow your suggestion of going easy on folks, however, I would argue that we are not all the same. Some of us have superfluous attitudes based on shallow perceptions of life. We all may have stuff that we like, but the motivation behind the stuff acquired is probably different. We live in a culture full of people depressed, unhappy, and unfulfilled; Soccer moms looking for the next hutch from Pottery Barn to improve their lack luster life; 65 inch LED televisions hung on some wall in a “man cave” allowing men to check out from all sense of community or reality; women carrying ugly, “some expensive brand” printed purse to let the world know that they have a charge card. All for what? It doesn’t help. Consumption doesn’t fix a meaningless life. Our cultural perspective needs to change.

What an appealing article. As a Fresno resident who lives on the, what I would label, the “gray area” between north and south Fresno, I felt the urge to comment on this blog. Although I do not live on a bench on the streets of downtown Fresno, I also certainly do not live in a community where my front room ceiling could accommodate an indoor basketball court or where my front door could fit much more through it than a standard size bed mattress. I feel I have spent enough time (mostly for leisurely endeavors which enables me to observe people and surroundings) in both areas in this community to engage in this sociocultural analysis.

I believe that ‘achievement’ and ‘success’ are completely “in the eye of the beholder” (I apologize for being so cliché). It is the individual who has the right to approach any endeavor in life and if they get a sense of achievement from it, whether monetary/promotional or simply a sense of freedom, who is anyone else to correct or judge them? The general goal mentioned, that is, to help people acquire the conceptual tools to understand any sociocultural situation, whether far from home or right next door, is applicable here. I completely agree with the suggestion given to your students to take an objective and sympathetic look at varieties of American life that they find disturbing. This too is entirely applicable in this situation between north and south Fresno.

It seems to me that if an individual lives in the northern sector of Fresno, he or she may and probably do consider those living in Tower District and further south as uneducated, ignorant, reckless, and even crazy. Perhaps this is because of the “free style” of life in the southern area of town. Many artistic venues are located in these southern areas, and those who reside there tend to typically be casually dressed and free/artistically spirited (tattooed body art, flashy hair styles, unique dress apparel). It seems as though the majority do not have much interest in material goods. Materialism does not seem necessary for them to feel they can find joy or achievement in life, although they may desire more economic stability (who wouldn’t?). The northern areas tend to be occupied by those with much more interest in material goods and have the monetary stability. They are dressed typically very formally and seem to find a similar degree of satisfaction in their own arena of leisure and enjoyment as do those who live in the southern area of town, yet through a very different approach. Although, I can only imagine but truly believe many of the more conservative people who have the material goods, envy those who are able to seemingly live full, satisfying and meaningful lives with no need of correction (and no need for the expensive resources). This seems to be an ongoing case of reciprocal ignorance and misperception between the two “groups” (north and south Fresno).

To quickly comment on Bob’s post, I agree that this is an issue of ‘perception of perception’ and would add that the tensions between north and south Fresno can be mitigated by everyone individually adopting an ‘acceptance/appreciation of perception’ approach/mentality. I would, although, like to disagree with the comment about there being EITHER an artistic/spiritual way of life and sense of achievement OR a career based life with much material achievement. I do feel that IF one does believe in an “either-or” philosophy, a sense of fulfillment can be achieved on either side of that spectrum but I also feel that more often than not people do find an “overlapping” area where an equal amount, if not more of a sense of fulfillment is achieved.

Anthroguy, I feel I do understand your situation of irritation when entering what seemed to be (in the description) an extravagant home and finding someone cooking bacon in the microwave oven. I often see someone driving a beautiful sport car (usually in north Fresno) and cringe in envy, almost feeling like I truly dislike the individual. But, when we sit back and “take it easy on folks”, we can consider that an individual in such a situation as the ‘mansion residing microwave bacon cooker’ probably spent so much time working for such materialistic achievements, they may not have enough time to prepare a meal for maximum enjoyment. We could probably find a tiny studio apartment in Tower District cooking a meal fifty times more pleasurable. Often times we feel the need for the most complex answer or solution but I believe that simply “going easy on folks” should work fine.

Let me just start by saying that this article was very eye opening in the opinion of many Fresnans and their “tastes”. Who knew that a chain like Taco Bell would be voted as a “cheap eats” in a local magazine and further more who knew that their were so many people that viewed North Fresno in such a negative light. Me being one of those people that live North of Shaw found it humerus when I read the first few paragraphs where it describes the house in which they walked into. The vaulted ceilings, oversized door and microwaveable bacon. I am the guilty owner of one of these “cookie cutter” homes and do not feel as though I have any less taste than someone that lives South of Shaw. Not everyone south of Shaw is an artsy person that is so in tuned with Fresno and not everyone that lives North of Fresno is out of tuned with the world because they are self absorbed. In fact some of the most in tuned with Fresno and its needs live North of Shaw. They have migrated to these cookie cutter homes in search of a safer envirnment for their children and a better school district for these kids (CUSD). I mean lets face it South of Shaw is now considered the “rougher” part of the area. It may not all be that way but the lines are blurred in different places south of shaw where as North of Shaw there arent many areas that are considered “rough. I have a sister though that is scared of her own shadow and would not dare to venture south of shaw without someone with her that was bigger and stronger that could protect her. Than I have another sister that would travel anywhere in Fresno and not think twice about it. They are both aware of Fresno as a whole and I would not say that one is more in tuned with Fresno than the other but it is a preference. I think that the entire article boils done not just to taste but to the preference and each persons preference whether it be food or living style is going to differ and thats ok because that is what makes Fresno so diverse. Some of my favorite restaurants lie on or south of Shaw, even though I am from the Northside. And yes I do venture to the southside quite often whether is be to hang out with friends, grab a bite to eat or travel to my next location. Just because I am located North of Shaw does not mean that I dont socialize with those from the South. I think what it really boils down to is how we were raised. If you were born and raised in Fresno than the southside and all of its cultural advantages is a promising thing where as if you migrated to Fresno by choice or by family relocating than you do what your parents do. Its a matter of comfort. My comfort lies north of Shaw but my heart lies in the South.

Your article has really opened my eyes I really had never thought how people in the city of Fresno are so culturally unaware of other fellow residents. The fact that the people that live in North Fresno don’t even know how people South of Shaw live or do not even care means they do not have no interest in their own city. All they care about is about their material possessions and how they live their lives. Being culturally aware of other brings another perspective to our lives. We see stuff differently and are not scared to try something new or go to a different part of town and the major thing we think before we criticize others way of living. For example I’m sure people that live in North Fresno are scared of visiting downtown or the Tower District.
If the owner of the Fresno Magazine could have been more culturally aware of the fellow Fresno residents she could have been more careful about her comment. Warner-Kennedy obviously does not care if “cheap” individuals read her magazine or not. What she is more interested in the “wealthy” Fresno residents reading her magazine and obviously that is her target audience. I strongly believe that Warner-Kennedy should have apologized for her comment. In conclusion this article has brought and opened my eyes to issues that are very common in our society, but should not be overlooked especially in our own community.

I never actually thought of Fresno as an exciting place. I grew up here and it’s the only place I know of home, yet, I’m dying to go elsewhere someday when I have the income to do so. I know I’m not going to miss it here much, needless to say, Fresno is just not all that great of a place to live; we’re on the top ten most polluted county, highest in crime and although rent is low, housing in the bad side of town is inadequate. Fresno magazines and politicians tend to make pretense that Fresno is a great place when in reality, they were probably just referring to the part of Fresno where all the people drive Mercedes and BMWs. As if pretending that everything is fine and dandy is going to make our problems go away. We have poverty-stricken areas here in Fresno; for goodness sake, we even threw the homeless guy out of his tent he was living in under the highway bridge because it makes Fresno looked “bad”. We have no shame and no concerns for humanity whatsoever. Growing up, I dreamed of living near the beach where I can wake up to the sound of waves washing up on shores and to the sounds of sea gulls flying in midair. If you’ve ever spent a day at a beach and watched the sun set, I don’t think you’ll never forget it. I don’t think I’ve ever seen the sun set like that in Fresno, with all the pollution we have here. You don’t see those natural orange rays without the purple and gray here. I remember seeing a Fresno magazine and the feature story was on the famous Fresno’s “Blossom Trail”. I drove to Clovis to see it but it wasn’t as impressive as the story said it was. However, going back to the topic in this article, most things in this country are catered to the rich; like River Park where all the rich people shop because they don’t want to shop at the local Save Mart where minorities and other low income people come to. Needless to say, that the rich don’t like to be around the poor, so, they build places like River Park so they don’t have to be a part of Fresno, technically. People with money can do pretty much anything no matter where they go because they have the resources to do so and that is money. Money has overwhelming power and this power can decide people’s destiny and their place in society and even the life of others around you are decided.
The other issue I discovered from reading this article was the notion that we are a community despite our economic background. We are all a member of this community and what we do effect those around us. Our opinions are voiced at school and in public when we vote but our opinions can be limited even at the voting booth. Voting has been on my mind since it’s time for the 2010 election. And you don’t have to predict that whoever gets elected to become California’s next governor is not going to help solve our problems; the shortage of water supply, jobs, the ever increasing budget cuts and everything else is not going to simply vanish. The people we are electing into office don’t really care to do much about it except getting rid of more valuable resources and increasing spending. We have choices but we don’t have a say in what we want in those choices; like do you want to vote for Candidate A, who is a Democrat or Candidate B who is a Republican. Sometimes, I wish to say: “Can I make a request? What about someone who isn’t going to take away our jobs and cut school budget?” And politicians can make all these promises but don’t go through with it. So then, “Can I make another request? Can we get someone who will not take away jobs and cut school budget and actually follow through with it? Please, anyone?”

It is extremely easy to judge people are label people that live in places that are not familiar to us. Yet we don’t take the time to realize our surroundings when it’s a part of our lives. I agree that I too am open to other cultures and beliefs and I don’t jump to start labeling them or judge their way of living.
You have an interesting view on what you think a meaningful life is. People in northern Fresno are too consumed up of what the social norms are of their community. Materialistic possessions seem to the key component of living a meaningful life. Unfortunately, northern Fresno isn’t associated with morals or values instead northern Fresno is labeled as being materialistic. We can not judge people based on their zip code rather we should be open to understanding and relating to people all over our community. I found it interesting reading and trying to understand how you view your community.

The post definitely left me in a pondering state. It is amazing to be able to accept individuals from very different cultures, such as the mentioned snake handlers, as living meaningful lives and to not think the same of individuals within our own city limits. I have always been very accepting and open to cultures from other countries and past centuries no matter how “outrageous” or “crazy” their beliefs, traditions, or behaviors might have been. It is a bit difficult for me now to realize that I am not as understanding of other cultures within my own surroundings, such as the culture of the “north of Shaw” Fresno residents. I have been running through reasons why this might be.

It is easy to think of the snake handlers’ culture, for example, as meaningful because there are probably spiritual or religious components to the reasons for their traditions and ways of living. The same cannot be as easily said of the “Riverpark regulars” of Fresno. When I think of a “meaningful life”, I think of being in tune with earth, having healthy and loving relationships with family members and friends, putting morals and values before materialistic things such as nice houses or fancy clothes, and finding comfort within one’s self and not in what others think of you. The stereotypical image of the north Fresno residents is overtaken by materialism and would not necessarily include the characteristics listed above.

The post has opened my mind though. I do not share the same religious or spiritual beliefs as the cultures in which I find to have meaningful lives. There is no justification for myself not to believe that my more materialistic neighbors do not also live lives of substance. It is important to be accepting of everyone and attempt to understand one another. What may be precious to one person may not mean anything at all to another. Living a meaningful life includes not being judgmental and being respectful towards everyone. Because of this, it is hypocritical to be quick to criticize how my neighbors’ ways of living.

It was said at the end to “go easy on folks”. I am fully aware that this is written in the context of being accepting of other cultures but it struck a chord with me. I feel strongly about having to address it. I disagree with this in that I feel we should NOT go easy on each other. We should challenge one another to grow. As I get older, I see how much our world is changing. People are not friendly anymore. We keep to ourselves and lack common courtesy for others. Manners are no longer as important as they once were. Patience is absent in our fast paced lives. We should pressure one another to get back to “the basics” when it comes to how we treat other people.

I have to admit that I find myself inspecting my own thoughts and feelings about others at times. The bottom line “go easy on folks” is all too easy to cross. It is extremely difficult to live life applying the following idea to every situation we face: “when you strip away the posturing of taste, we’re not so different.” Although difficult to apply I wholeheartedly agree that it is true. People in general find meaning in their lives through many ways, only one of which is possessions. But possessions are nothing more than possessions. People assign meanings to them. One person thinks that name brand clothes make life better. Another person thinks that name brand clothes are unnecessary. Both people assign meanings to the same object in ways that give meaning to their individual lives. It is all a means to an end, and that end is to have a “meaningful self and life.”

Your last paragraph is concise and to the point. I am glad I came across your writings because it has always been hard for me to describe how meaningful our lives really are. For an extended period of time I experienced life in Southern Mexico. There are no monstrous doors there; sometimes there are not even any doors at all. Roofs of palm leaves and walls of stick and mud or concrete bricks are the norm. The people are still people, whose “taste” became very appealing to me. At times I struggle within myself regarding the different “taste[s]” life has to offer. I have identified at least two that are appealing to me. I find that I have found “meaningful self and life” in each setting. To be able to adapt is a quality that we share as well. We are not all that different, that is sure. But it is still hard to “strip away the posturing of taste” that appears to make us different.

Well it is certainly shocking at first to hear your opinion of this house you visited since you are an anthropologist and, like you said, try to teach others that other people, while different from us, also live meaningful lives. Which leads me to give my opinion on how challenging that must me? I am an anthro major and I must say that anthropology is very hard, for me, to understand. Exploring cultures and how other people live and their societies, WOW. I am just getting to that point that I can be unbiased and try not to be so judgmental. But being raised in America and only knowing our way of life it is very difficult understanding how other cultures live fulfilling lives. But taking a step back and looking at our society and culture it could be very shocking to others as well. I just only started thinking about our culture and the outside viewer’s opinion. I read an article about pregnancy and new born care, the name I cannot recall, and this anthropologist discussed how different Americans were with their infants. Especially in breastfeeding and sleeping. She stated how many other cultures breastfeed for much longer periods then most American women and the newborns would sleep with the parents in the same bed. Coincidently there rates of sudden infant death syndrome where much lower. My point being, that article was the primary thing that got me thinking about our own culture and society. And this led me to think, in my opinion, more like an anthropologist. I conclude now that anthro has been so hard for me because I couldn’t see past my own biased opinions and critical thinking.
Back to your article though. I am from Hanford and that same thing happens here. The south side is somewhere you just don’t go. It is viewed as the worse side of town, unsafe, dirtier, and where most crime happens. But are the people living there that much different from us. When you think of Max Weber’s “Class, Status, Party” can the people living there be looked at as differently from us? Is it really their fault they are there? South side, in Hanford, is seen as the lower class group of people. They don’t have a high status in community; Weber would tie this with being lower class. I would consider myself middle class, and it’s very unlikely that I would partake in something if it was on the South side of town. But other lower class people would. If classes do not associate themselves together then it could be impossible for the division between “south side” and “north side” to go away. So in many ways, people from the south side, or bad side, can not be blamed or looked at differently. There are the same, they just have different circumstances.
Although I have never read or even heard of this magazine it seems as though they have one general class they appeal to. Which would be the upper class. It seems more and more these days businesses and restraunts only appeal to one type of people, leaving the others in the dark. Which only helps the problem of seperation.

Wow, what an interesting discussion. I always find that subject about living large versus living in the middle versus barely living very interesting. I used to run around with a button on that said “Eat the Rich” it had a fork and knife crossed over a skull. That was in my young and unenlightened days. Or perhaps my youth was more rose colored. I thought I could rebel against the rich, create a socialist world where everyone had enough. I read the “Communist Manifesto” by Karl Marx and other such literary works. I had also read Orwell’s, “The Animal Farm” and “Lord of the Flies”. I believe now because of the majority of human kinds’ desire for material wealth, the world would end up like the later books. It isn’t good or bad, right or wrong. I have come to understand it just is.
I have lived in San Diego most of my life. I grew up in a lower middle class neighborhood. My family is all Democrats. I had been in “rich people’s” houses before. I was always impressed but never actually desired one.
This brings me to Fresno, CA. I didn’t hang out with upper class people; I hung out with people in more my socio-economic background. I now actually hang out and enjoy spending time with those very people I wanted to “Eat” in my younger days. I do find it interesting how Fresno Magazine does cater to a white, upper class audience. Perhaps they could change the name to North Fresno Magazine or something that would fit its target audience better. People like my buddy Michelle. The horse trainer who works with her daughter and herself was featured in Fresno Magazine. They had a picture of Michelle’s daughter. Before coming to Fresno I had no idea people rode horses that are worth more than some peoples’ homes. Michelle lives in a big, beautiful home has some vacation properties, is married has 2 kids and a dog. When one meets Michelle you don’t get the idea that she is what I consider wealthy. She doesn’t boast or brag about what she has, what she does, etc. She showed us the pictures of her daughter because she is proud of her, not to say look at me. Michelle is humble, hard-working and on top of that incredibly gorgeous. If you were to tell Michelle this she would deny it and go on about something else. This certainly wasn’t my idea of “rich people”. Michelle, Anne and others I have met in Fresno have shown me it isn’t where you live, how much money, possessions one has that make you obnoxious or boastful. Yes, these are white women I am talking about but I have met others from different cultural backgrounds who exhibit this same integrity.
I have been offered management positions in my 1st career as a nurse but I always considered it selling my soul to the devil. Would I become the very thing I fear? Someone who thinks because I summer in the Hamptons, lol, that I am better than all you others. I have learned that isn’t who I am. I will probably end up in management in my new career and even makes some decent money. I am learning to cope with that success. So whether you’re “artistic” or “rich” shouldn’t really matter. It should never define who we are, or who we can become.

I completely agree with WhitneyM. Everyone has their own reasons for living their lifestyle. Once a person reaches adulthood, they are pretty much in control of 99.9% of their lives. They have the choice to go with education or find some career with just their high school diploma. I’m sure a person who finishes high school, applies to their local McDonald’s and climbs their way to the top position of store manager doesn’t really expect to be able to ever really afford high-end luxuries that are common in those homes north of Shaw. I’m sure that they are also aware that they can continue to go to school, (even with financial aid, if necessary), and graduate with a bachelor’s degree and become a substitute teacher, advertising agent, or owner of your local Macy’s. If they have a teaching credential, they could become a teacher and easily fall into the middle class. Finally they have the option of going for a Master’s or Doctorate in whatever field and becoming a successful lawyer, accountant, or doctor. No matter what they choose to do, they are going to be judged by someone from the opposite end of the spectrum.

Say your wealthy psychiatrist who makes 150k per year has her fancy car and picture of her soccer boys and ballerina daughter in her office, yet she may have come from a dysfunctional family on the poor side of Fresno. For all we know, she worked her butt off to get where she is and fought off those who didn’t believe she could pull it off. Now she has a family and a nice home in the north part of Fresno or Clovis. There are going to be people watching her drive by with a hint of resentment in their eyes, for perhaps they have worked just as hard but weren’t able to finish school for various reasons, such as going home to take care of a sick parent. Maybe the person watching her drive by feels that there are better ways to spend the money, such as putting it into the community or donating to charity. Yet, on the other hand, who knows if our psychiatrist doesn’t already give half of her salary to everyone else and the car is actually her husband’s? And who’s to say the psychiatrist doesn’t care about her patient’s well-being?
There are so many different stories to every lifestyle and sadly, the material world consumes our whole lives in almost every aspect. Even good people, who give to their community and donate all their goods still want some sort of luxury on the side, whether it be a spa in the backyard, an SUV, or a grand piano in their living room. There are certain things people just want to be able to afford, and when they can afford it, why not get it? On the other side of the spectrum, there are plenty of good people who somehow are never able to land their dream job and end up on the south side of Fresno. As much as they spend time outside of their homes helping others and giving of their time, they work their tails off struggling to pay rent and put food on the table for their kids. Perhaps some of them prefer it this way, because a small home can bring a family closer together. A struggling family still struggles together and as long as they find happiness in that, who are the rich to judge them. If happiness was an product, it would be the hottest item on the market because that is the one basic thing that every single person in the world desires. Unfortunately, one can’t buy happiness, so instead we take a look at our own lives and compare it to others who seem to be happy. In Fresno, the south resent the north because they think that the rich have it easy, and the north resent the south because they are afraid of walking through their neighborhoods at night. But who’s really happy? Surely not all of the rich, and not all of the poor. So what’s the point of judging them? Aren’t we all the same deep down? Why should people be classified by class? How about their value on life and the lives of those around them? We all want the same thing, and I assure you it’s not a Mercedes. If you’re going to judge someone, how about you stray away from their place in life, and take a look at their choices and what they did to get to that place. I guarantee it will put a whole new perspective on the way you see different people.

There are some interesting comments from everyone about the dynamics of the communities north and south of Shaw. I see that everyone is making an effort to be politically correct in their replies, but what is the difference between these two groups? Maybe only guilt. North Fresnoans see no shame in their conspicuous consumption even though Fresno has such a large part of its community deep in poverty, unable to get proper education, nutrition, housing, and health care for their children, whereas the Tower District community feels that their artie endeavors forgive their consumerism. I know I am going to offend some folks but the Tower District is just sort of sad, just as sad as River Park. Alcoholics go to one and compulsive spenders to the other. Everyone is walking around spending money while poverty, crime, hunger, violence, and ignorance surround them. Moving from San Jose to Fresno was a huge eye opener for me. Fresno is so polarized it makes my head spin; the air is bad, the food is bad, the Tower District is bad, and the people are strange to say the least. I know I am going to be attacked for my statements, but come on people…Yeah everyone wants a home, a car, “stuff;” it’s the American way. Both ways you look at it to be successful you must be able to maneuver in your environment, and we live in an environment of consumerism. So the argument about who is more or less guilty of not giving a s@*t is kind of ridiculous. Coming to Fresno the first thing I realized is that the people here do not like, or care about each other; the have-nots are angry and the have’s are entitled. I’m telling you I do not want to be in Fresno during a disaster. I cannot wait to leave so that I can relax and breathe again. And although I am a little more than slightly afraid of the backlash I am going to post anyway…

I too live south of Shaw. I also do not understand the “north end” mentality. I don’t understand having three new cars in the driveway or the cathedral ceilings. I understand people do things for different reasons and who am I to criticize how tall their ceilings are, but it seems so many of these people won’t leave the comfort of them. I have never understood the need for such material things like the “status” of living in a specific neighborhood. However I have many friends that do exactly that. I live south of Shaw in a modest home and I couldn’t care less about driving a new car. I am much more concerned about the experiences and the people I meet along the way.
I am also a fan of the revitalization of downtown Fresno and have a great time in the tower, which I usually prefer over Riverpark. My husband and I have participated in the art scene downtown off and on for many years including arthop and working behind the scenes with the mural project. The feel of the people is so different. I will sit at a coffee shop in the tower any day instead of Riverpark.
I have spent a significant amount of time traveling and experiencing other cultures. I have been to many countries and interacted with cultures from what I had ever experienced in the past. I spent approximately a week in Kenya during which time I was on safari with the Maasai and Samburu tribes. I climbed mount Kilimanjaro with the native people of Tanzania and learned a great deal about their culture along the way. My oldest daughter is named after a trip to Alexandria Egypt and my younger daughter is named after a visit London England (an amazing city, but not nearly as exotic).
After traveling to so many areas of the world and experiencing the culture and the people it still amazes me that people in the United States would rather spend money on air conditioning for their 5,000 square foot homes with cathedral ceilings then experiencing what the world has to offer. I think these are the same people what do their shopping north of Herndon and have yet to eat at an authentic Mexican restaurant on Tulare. No wonder they are voting that Taco Bell has the cheapest food. They probably also consider this real Mexican food because they don’t want to leave the comfort of their chain restaurant to experience something new. These aren’t the people who are eating authentic carne asada form Robertito’s downtown.
Don’t get me wrong, given the right occasion I will also treat myself to the rather expensive pumpkin ravioli at Parma in northwest Fresno but it is about the experience, not the status. It blows my mind that there is so much to experience in the world and even in Fresno and people are so comfortable inside their four walls with their little patch of grass out front. Most let the world pass them buy with out ever experiencing it. For now, I will continue to eat in Mom and Pop restaurants and drive my old car to work so I can take comfort in the experiences and people I have met along the way. When was the last time you experienced something for the first time?

Laurel(?): Your post confirms to me what I tried to say in my posting. You say, “I have never understood the need for such material things like the “status” of living in a specific neighborhood. However I have many friends that do exactly that. I live south of Shaw in a modest home and I couldn’t care less about driving a new car. I am much more concerned about the experiences and the people I meet along the way.” You go on to list some of your travels and cross-cultural experiences. Remember, though, that your travels were acts of consumption and your listing of them could be reasonably seen as status-striving. You like to be seen as someone who values travel and cultural experiences – this is the status you desire and this is the status you communicate to us. Others desire the status conferred by a large house. You both achieve these statuses through consumption. As I tried to argue, you and the people you claim to not understand are not so different afterall.

I find your article to be very interesting. I have many friends that live north of Shaw and some that live south of Shaw. I think the way you are raised plays a role on whether you become consumed by all the material things. Some people that make more money love to give back to the community. What I find most sad about this article and what other people have posted is that people do not admire the knowledge as much as they admire the money. We have become so consumed by the image or trying to fit in that we are losing sight of the simple things. I really enjoy listening to a man named Dave Ramsey. He is constantly talking about not giving into the status idea and to live for you. His quote is “If you’ll live like no one else, later you can live like no one.” He teaches about being debt free and about wanting more out of life than a new BMW. I really want to instill that into my children. I have seen those children that are given everything and they end up not being able to do anything for themselves. I am sure I am similar to all these people with the American dream of owning my own home and having a car but I do not need the status car or the house north of Fresno. I have a home where I feel safe.
I think you can find people of all classes that have materialistic views. I know of a person that has to have a new expensive car every two years. He has just paid off his car and now wants the newer version of a ninety thousand dollar car. He is constantly buying what is trendy and new and is having a terrible time paying his bills. I think there are many people that live above their means. Status means so much that they could become financially insolvent in a very short period of time.
I also enjoy the small mom and pop restaurants. They usually have the most authentic food. When you go to the smaller restaurants they treat you like family and aren’t trying to rush you out for the next customer like the chain restaurants do. Constantly asking how would you like to pay for that as I am still eating? I also enjoy the ambiance of the little restaurants. Many of the smaller restaurants are family owned and have a higher standard than the chains that hire any high school or college student.
Although the Fresno Magazine is very colorful and artistically place items it is not a favorite magazine in our house. I do not believe when they claim a certain restaurant to be the best. I like to try things for myself.
I have also noticed a difference when you say what college you are going to. When I was at City, I was looked at as if I was a lower status because I wasn’t going to state. I have also noticed a difference now that I am graduating from Fresno State and going into a Doctoral program that people of higher status are now starting to converse with me especially at work. I find this very fascinating. Why was I not good enough to converse with before? I am still the same person. This is a very interesting topic and I do hope to do some research in this area.

Great article. I think that many people don’t realize that they are engaging in some form of ethnocentrism when they are criticizing cultures that are similar to their own (or people of their own race perhaps).

However, I don’t believe the article addresses legitimate gripes that people may have with North Fresnans (or those who live their lifestyle) very well. Larger houses consume more finite natural resources than smaller ones. The sprawl created ensures that more gasoline is required to get them back and forth from the central area of the city. The luxury cars that many of them drive may further exacerbate the problem. Can we simply turn a blind-eye to these issues because it is cultural? I don’t think culture is a carte blanche for segments of society to be able to do whatever they want. I am not trying to simply pick on North Fresno either. I feel that we could (and do) criticize many different groups on the merits of their lifestyle.

@laurelemp: As far as people not wanting to leave the comforts of North Fresno as some of the above posters have suggested… I am not sure that I can blame them. I have a job that has allowed me to visit every neighborhood in Fresno (in actual homes… not just from the street) and spend the majority of my time south of Belmont at all hours of the night. I would be lying if I said there weren’t many times I was fearful to go into some of these places. How can I expect anyone to want to shop in these neighborhoods when I don’t even like going into them? And it is not simply the North Fresnans who have refused to go here. Didn’t Bass Pro Shops refuse to erect a store down there due to the dilapidated conditions and immense homeless population?

@AnntrellG: I can see where your frustration with the city of Fresno comes from. I too am I transplant and living here over the past few years has been somewhat of a culture shock. However, I think you are being unfair in calling those who inhabit the Tower District “alcoholics.” In my time spent in that area, I can’t say that it has any more drunks than any other neighborhood in Fresno. You get upset about the mass consumerism here in Fresno, but that is present almost everywhere in America — as is poverty and hunger. Consumerism is part of the “American Dream.” I was watching the Discovery Channel yesterday and a program came on about America’s largest/best water-parks. I couldn’t help but think what the world would think if they saw this program. Billions of people in the world without consistent access to a clean, drinking source — and we’re sliding in it.

@NancyN: I feel that your experience is common — especially for those who have grown up in a lower/lower-middle class family. I know that I had disdain for those who had more than I did when I was a child.

For most cultures, there is an ideal image of what life they want to have and what determines whether they are successful or not. For some, being rich and famous is most important, while others worry less about wealth and more about happiness and the type of people they are. Many of those who are extremely wealthy are sometimes left unhappy. Fortune and fame comes before personal relationships and the inner emotions they are feeling. Individuals who are wealthy and buy the newest product on the market to make them successful, may lack happiness because the product eventually becomes obsolete. These individuals are full of wealth but no one to share their idea of success with. For those who worry less about money and more about the people they have become, their lives revolve around happiness. Both of these scenarios are directly influenced by the culture they are brought up in.
In Fresno, a close family I grew up with was overly concerned about “keeping up with the Jones”. They perceived success as driving luxury cars and living in big beautiful homes. They leveraged their assets and flaunted their money by paying for fancy dinners at steakhouses and having big pool parties for a large group of people so everyone could see their lavish home. Soon after the economy began to struggle they were the first to hit rock bottom. Now they are driving older cars and paying rent rather than a mortgage. Their idea of success was money and materialistic belongings. My parents were completely the opposite. Growing up, my parents worried less about the cars we drove and the big fancy house and more on the happiness and love we shared with one another. To them, success was raising their children to have good morals and graduating college with a degree to pursue a good career.
These two types of people do not understand one another. Most individuals are set in their own cultural habits, beliefs, and rituals and do not take other cultures into consideration. While certain people think it is okay when other cultures perform their traditional rituals, these same people would frown upon or forbid a family member from practicing this same foreign ritual.
The Fresno culture is full of consumerism. Wealthy individuals are willing to travel all around the world to purchase food and clothing from famous chain stores rather than staying in Fresno and giving their loyalty to smaller family owned businesses. The individuals that are solely about happiness would prefer to stay in Fresno to eat and shop because these family owned businesses have the cultural experience they are looking for. These individuals understand that these small business owners have personally invested their money and effort into making this business successful. With this, the owners take the time to get to know their customers and make sure they are happy so their business continues to be a success. Chain stores like Chili’s and Macaroni Grill never stress this relationship with their customers because in most cases you only meet store managers or Franchise owners.
Culture is different for each person. Being from Fresno, it would be great to see others show their loyalty to local stores because the customer service and the relationship you build tends to mean more worthwhile and valuable than the relationship you would have with a chain business. Loyalty from both Fresno shoppers and Fresno’s small store owners would help make stronger cultural ties.

About everywhere you look, every city has the same issue: a blurred geographical line by which a city is divided into a desirable place to be and not so desirable place to be. People are different: one will value safety more than the other, and other things like wealth, type of house, cars, art, travel, activity (sports, exercise), food, etc. Many of us may have a problem with people that have towering ceiling and thousands of square feet homes. However, when we go abroad and visit castles and big palaces of the past, do we see these ostentatious places with the same eyes as we see our neighbor who has a steeple in his/her home? Didn’t they splurge on their castles and big mansions as some of us do? Still we enjoy going over to Europe or Asia and visit these colossal buildings that were built at the expense of their subjects. I wonder if they stirred the same feelings of repulsion as we feel today of these people that have steeples and high ceilings in their homes.
Anyway, today we know that that even if individually the scale is much smaller than that of a castle, the compounded result bears a colossal impact on the use of our resources. I’m not saying that the government should control how big you build your house, but there should be some education going on on how you use the resources of the earth. I understand that for most the house you live in, the car that you drive, the food that you afford to eat, the place where you do your shopping, where you do your travels/vacations, etc, is a way through which you make a statement about who we are. Some go the other way and don’t live ostentatious even if they could. The point is that we do make a statement through our consumption. Sometimes it who we are, and sometimes is who we want to be, like spending money on a house or car we cannot really afford (see the housing bust these days). Anyway, is hard not to be biased in our analysis as we cannot be easily equidistant in our judgment. Who is better: the one living South or North of Shaw? I don’t think I need to judge that. Each side of town has to offer something that people want.
Another question that popped in my head just now is how many people that live in the North side would actually want to move to South Fresno and how many people would want to move from South Fresno to North Fresno? I believe that there would be many that would like to do that but financially cannot afford it. Why? Because if you are a family guy then you do some research before you move to Fresno and discover that most crime happens in South Fresno. Also North Fresno has free parking when you go shopping, and “nice” houses (let’s be honest – not all houses are humongous in North Fresno). So, as a family guy, like many others would probably first look into getting a place to live on the North side of town. And come on, safety is one of the basic human needs.
I do not live in Fresno, but the town I live in is considered pretty safe and family friendly. I had the opportunity to live in other places, with a bigger house and lawn and would have been able to save some money on buying that type of house. Nevertheless, I chose safety and a family friendly environment over other areas that offered more materialistically but lacked in the other areas. So to me it looks like an issue of value – what is it that you value most?

I find this article to not only be able to be applied to people of Fresno, but to almost any urban community in the state. Especially in the Central Valley with all of the new growth that has taken place over the past 15 years or so, communities have grown, leaving older neighborhoods behind, to building houses, that all look the same, on what was once farm land. The people of the older neighborhoods do tend to take on a feeling that the their area of town should be the center of focus, because of how long it has been around, and the tradition(s) it has built.. While I understand that many people would like to keep their traditions and small, local businesses alive and thriving, there is also a need to realize the change and adaption of other ways of living. People of older neighborhoods seem to have a feeling of superiority when it comes to decision making in the town, always wanting their area to be improved, when other areas of town, although they may be newer, need those improvements more.
I also feel that many American people and their views of other cultures and religious practices are because they are either afraid of that practice, uneducated about it, or are not open to other people’s beliefs and feel that the way they live their life is the right way and only way to live. Many people carry a feeling of superiority when it comes to their everyday life and actions. In my observation, people tend to look down upon others for not having similar interests and desires (i.e. religious practices, education, consumer goods, world views). I think that American people really should learn to be more open, understanding, and appreciative of other cultures/lifestyles. This would create less tension between social classes and cultures.
I would think that the controversy that Fresno Magazine caused because of their “Best of Fresno” poll, should not have escalated to the level it seems to have. People and storeowners that are not subscribers to the magazine and are upset at the results of the poll should look at the poll in a different light. The poll was administered to those that subscribe to the magazine, which could cause skewed results. However, for Ms. Warner-Kennedy to come out and comment that the critics of Fresno Magazine are “too cheap” was out of line, and should have never been made. Town magazines are generally not very in depth about town events or issues, that a person wouldn’t be able to read about or see in a newspaper or news channel on tv.
Although North Fresno may be full of new, cookie cutter homes, big box stores, and the lifestyle the people of the area live are generally very similar, it does not mean that it is the wrong way. Just as people of a different country have different interests and needs, the people of a different part of town do too. Whether these needs and likes are materialistic in nature (i.e. big cars, big homes) or not, it is the life the person chooses to live, and if they are happy with their life, then it should not cause any backlash by a person of a different lifestyle. Like your last comment says “go easy on folks”.

In the “Meaningless Lives of Others,” the comments about the person occupying the large new development house caught my attention. It made me wonder if he or she was married or not. Their eating habits suggest to me that they are single.
Downtown was mentioned further down the blog. I am struggling to believe if downtown will ever be a grand shopping/business center that is was and for that matter if it ever really was. Perhaps if major businesses like Starbucks or Urban Outfitters became in, maybe amazing small businesses could be more successful. I’m all for buying local especially for agriculture, but downtown has yet to become worth paying for parking, shopping in poor quality stores, and being around shady people.
As for the “Fresno Magazine” subscriber description, what does being “conservative” have to do with a magazine? The inclusion of it seems to be discriminating.

I had never thought about the idea that we may be more passive about the way other cultures in other countries live their lives, but when it comes to cultures in our very own country, we tend to be more critical and judgmental. I find this to be true in other things in our lives. Take growing up with our parents, for example. I found my parents to be more critical, judgmental or devastated about things I did or mistakes I made than if their best friends child who was also my age, had made the same mistakes. They always comforted the parents saying that it wasn’t a big deal and that their child was still intelligent and going to have an amazingly successful life and make them proud. It was ok and not a humility for the other child’s parents. Similarly, we as Americans look at other cultures and say it’s ok and they still live successful lives even though their practices and beliefs can seem somewhat farfetched, yet when it is happening here in our own country we tend to be critical and devastated.
I am not a native Fresno resident, as I am from a farm town about 45 minutes away, but Fresno has always been somewhat of my second home in a city sense. Whether it had been the weekly commute to shop, the daily commute to work, the 3 times-a-week commute for school, and even the 3 year residence here at one point with roommates, I have grown fond of the city as a whole. I however, have been caught victim to the “north of shaw” and “south of shaw” biasm. When I was first looking for residence here, looking for an apartment “south of shaw” was absolutely out of the question. Even visiting hole-in-the-wall places to eat was off limits, no matter how delicious various people claimed the food to be. I thought that if I ever went “south of shaw” I would for sure get shot or robbed or attacked. Where these biasms came from? I can honestly say I don’t know, but they were there and strong as ever. When I moved here I obtained a job at one of the retailers in the Riverpark area. And I can vouch for the types of consumers you claim to shop there. We had weekly, if not daily regulars (mostly fancy, well-to-do women) who I had gotten to know on a personal level and who openly admitted that they were doing their daily shopping before their yoga class, their child’s dance class, or any other type of recreational class while their husband was away on business or off at some high status job. I can understand the stereotypes that people may gain of the consumers of Riverpark shopping (I used to be one of them), but I can honestly say, when it comes down to it, they weren’t much different than I was. So what if they didn’t have to work to get their money, so what if fun with their children is watching them in their dance class, or violin lessons or whatever it may be, so what if they spend their free time on recreational stuff; bottom line, that’s what makes them happy and makes their life feel complete. Who am I, or who is anyone else to judge that? Just because my idea of fun with my child may be more one-on-one interaction, and because I may spend any free time I have furthering my education or studying for classes, that doesn’t make me any better than them, or any less than them, and I think that this is an idea that many Fresnans have trouble grasping.

On the other end of the city is the “south of shaw” area. Once I finally decided to fight my biases, I found that there are so many culturally diverse locations that are extremely interesting (and a big note to myself..not threatening). Tower District, for one, is home to Roger Rocka’s and the Good Company Players who put on many different theatrical shows. It is also home to Arthop with is filled with inspiring art from local artists. Further downtown Fresno is really a hidden beauty holding so much history. In fact, after frequent visits “south of Shaw” I tend to turn to the other extreme. I thought them to be more culturally diverse and intelligent while “north of Shaw” residents were superficial, ignorant, and often uneducated. Again, these biases came with no conscious awareness on my part, but I did have to consciously check myself as to realize that these were not my own personal thoughts and I had no valid proof of keeping these biases. Again, I think this stereotype and problem is also a problem that needs awareness for Fresnans, and that we need to unite and love the city as a whole, geographically, economically, politically, and culturally, no matter how diverse the differences amongst these groups may seem.

It is somewhat ironic for me to comment on this post after engaging just a little while ago on the post about the Lowell Community Meeting. There you posted and I commented about the efforts to “revitalize” our poorer neighborhoods, to develop their community life. The irony is that the language of “revitalization” usually comes mostly from those who inhabit supposedly “vital” (i.e. rich and all that it implies) areas of the city or who think about themselves that they are somehow better (off) than most of the inhabitants of those poor neighborhoods. Somehow we are sure that there is no “life” in those neighborhoods, or if there is some life, that life is necessarily miserable – much worse than the life on say Copper Avenue, or even on some hip Tower District block full of “artsy” folk. We feel that the residents of those streets are alienated from each other, that they can’t help themselves, that they lead some shadowy existence and we feel (almost) a religious calling to move down south into those neighborhoods like Jesus Christ came down to earth and show those poor folks how to live full and right. The thing is, South Fresno actually reminds me of my childhood in a rather poor and dilapidated neighborhood in Russia, where you would often see a drunk taking a nap under a tree, where the apartment buildings were painted for the last time on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Revolution, and where there were more dirt roads than asphalted streets. But the neighborhood was full of life, everyone knew each other (including whom to avoid), neighbors had their ritual evening chats sharing a paper cone of sunflower seeds, and kids were enjoying their carefree childhood. I had no idea back then that I am somewhat disadvantaged by growing up there. When I am driving through south Fresno, it often feels awkward. Like going back to the streets of my childhood in Russia. Sure, it looks like the textbook case of “slums.” But I see kids playing happily on those dirty streets, and I doubt if those kids are necessarily worse off than their peers who are holed up in their parents’ mansions on Copper Avenue. I see neighbors chatting on their crumbling porches in the afternoon, and again I wonder if they must be less happy or less smart than those who just foreclosed on their half-million house or stay at work 70 hours per week to keep their six-digit job. And if I suddenly learn that they do feel more happy and meaningful, would we dismiss it as some sort of “snake-handling” unreasonable mentality? So, I am wondering, if someone ever did a happiness/meaningfulness research in our city – say measuring how inhabitants of the “poor” neighborhoods fare in terms of life satisfaction with those who live north of Shaw?

This article was quite interesting and well written. Fresno is a huge place with a diverse group of people. People in Fresno are consumed about their own lives and their lifestyles. People in Fresno are too consumed of the norms and how their location affects their way of living. People that live in southern Fresno seem to be more real and down to earth, while the people that live in northern Fresno seem to be too concerned about people’s perceptions.
I believe that people that ethnicity, culture, religion, society, norms, wants, and needs contributes to a person’s desire to living in particular lifestyles. People’s particular way of living is also affected by the way they were raised, their morals, and their level of ethics. People are motivated by different stimuli to live the life that they want. Kids grow up thinking that being a doctor, lawyer, astronauts, and teacher, professor leads to a meaningful and successful life. It is rare that kids grow up thinking about becoming janitors, waitresses, bus drivers, clerks, and etc would lead to meaningful lives. People’s desires and wants are extremely influenced by wealth. The wealthier an individual is the more lavish the want their lifestyles to be, in this case living in northern Fresno. People that live in either northern or southern Fresno, stereotypes are placed on them. Southern Fresno is associated with the terms as poverty, unfortunate, drugs, alcohol, prostitutes, and etc all negative associations. Whereas, northern Fresno is labeled as rich, luxurious, privileged, success, doctors, lawyers, and etc all positive associations.
People don’t realize that north Fresno and south Fresno is a community. We strive on our success with the help of one area to the other. People should not judge on the zip code that people live in or their cultural or religion views. I think its pivotal that we as a community should keep in mind our values and lifestyles and respect others.

This was an interesting article. The opening paragraph lured me in and kept me interested throughout the read.
People that live on opposite sides of spectrum judge one another often without thinking. People from northern Shaw view people from south of Shaw as being ignorant, uneducated, drug addicts, and they look down on their lifestyles. People from north of Shaw don’t understand the culture diversity on the south side, because they are too consumed up with their wealth and materialistic lives. When the people from the north see individuals with tattoos and piercing they look down on the values, culture, and individuality. People from the north feel inferior to the people from the south because it’s a culture filled with expression and not possessions.
People from the north are satisfied with their lives because they associate themselves with having career achievements, accomplishments, luxury, possessions, plastic surgery, and etc. Whereas, people from the south are satisfied with their life because they have freedom of expression, freedom of individuality, and there are no limits. People from the north are confined into a box, their huge homes, and can never step out of the social norms. People from the south are not expected to be anything; society doesn’t define them they do. There is a distinction between the two groups, and words different words are associated with the people north of Shaw and south of Shaw.
Having successful lives and living extravagant lifestyles are the individuals that achieved and made there lives for the better. People are quick to judge one another. People’s perception makes individuals to try harder and motivate people to achieve more and more. The sense of having things that belongs to them gives them pride. With success comes power, the more successful you are the more power you have. The life of Fresno is based on a food pyramid; there are more people on the bottom of the food chain and less on top. The north of Shaw is the new and rich, and south is the old and poor. There are more people living in the south side than in the north. People’s judgments and perceptions ultimately push and pull the people up and down the pyramid.
People from the north are defined with what they have, what they do, and how they are expanding. People from this area see themselves as the IT group of people. Everyone wants to be like them and that they are so out of their leagues. They view themselves as being superior like lion. These groups of individuals care more about their possessions, than their lives. They don’t seem to understand that POSSESSIONS will remain POSESSIONS. Name tags are the key focus from these groups of individuals, whereas quality is insignificance.
We as a community need to stop judging one another and start lightening up with one another. Yet people’s perception will always control our lives. We want to be what people see us being as. Materials and possessions shouldn’t define individuals, people should define themselves. Having huge house, European cars, and massive doors should remain things, they shouldn’t define an individual. Values should not be reflected on your zip code, people need to lighten up and not judge one another.

Everybody has a different way of living here in the world. We have people we live the high class life where they buy all the expensive stuff and don’t even really need it. They just buy it because it looks nice and they have the money to get it. Then you have people you just buy things they need in life to have a good time or they buy things they need. Then you have the people who can barley afford a house and can barley get by with the money they have. That is what the world has come too now. There are many different styles of living and it all depends on what part of town you are in or country.

In the paragraph I mostly talked about families on the way the live. You always have the different styles of living when you become an adult. Once you become an adult you are able to make most of decisions. For example, you can go to college and get a degree or you can go find a job and start at the bottom and work your way up. I think most of the time people go to work right after high school because they cant afford it or don’t apply for financial aid. In this case they could always start at a community college because it’s not expensive. Then you have the adults who choose to go to college to better themselves. By going to college you are more likely to get a job with a degree rather than someone with a high school degree. That’s why if you can afford to go to a community or state school, I think people should take advantage especially now a days with the economy down and not a lot of people are looking to higher anyone. College is the best way to better yourself in life and get where you want to be. But that’s why there are so many different styles of living because everyone has the right to choose what they think is best for them. I believe there should be a program that helps kids attend college if they can’t afford it. I think by doing this you would see a lot of adults going to college right after high school then go work at Jack in the Box or something.

I have to agree with McCracken that modern day Americans are a bunch or consumeristic and materialistic sheep. I think Americans are like is because of the marketing they do. They have the most famous people marketing there product and when we see and want to buy it. When we see a famous person advertising a product we think since that person has it they assume they need it to. For example the new Iphone came out and everybody started to buy it. The question is, do you really need an Iphone or do you buy it because it’s the new cool thing to have. Since Americans are all about the newer and nicer things in life they just buy it anyways. Americans would be better off if people won’t so crazy about the materialistic things and worry about other things life that are more important, like keeping or finding a job.

There are many faces of America, just as there are many faces of Fresno. I live in northwest Fresno, “Old Highway City” to be exact. In my neighborhood all of the houses have been owned and mostly built by the same families that occupy them from over 45years. The area is safe for the most part besides the occasional gang members and hobos that park their carts throughout the neighborhood. The homes here are simple and well built; there are no high arched cielings or fancy doors, in fact some of the houses have broken windows and their fences are falling down. This is the Fresno that I grew up with and continue to live in. I have memories of spending my weekends at Fulton Mall back when it was in its prime before technology and consumerism took over a good portion of our lives. Every morning I drive past big, fancy, newly modeled homes and I can’t deny to myself how radiating and magnificent they look. This isn’t the Fresno that I’ve grown up with, but it is the Fresno I continue to become accustomed to. The downtown area has grown on me. I work at a local property management company where most of the customers I interact with are either on Section 8 or receiving some type of aide. These are hard working individuals who can’t focus their attention on the materialistic aspects of America but instead strive to presue the American dream. For some, this side of Fresno doesn’t appeal to them and they don’t distinguish themselves as part of this side of Fresno. In reality the South is the same as the North, perhaps not on the outside where the clothing, cars, and houses are seen but on the interior no matter which side of Fresno we come from, we are all the same.
The topic of snakehandling stood out to me while reading the post as well. The freedom of religion and the freedom to practice religion makes America what it is. To label individuals who practice this type of religion as uneducated is quite ignorant in my opinion. I would argue that they are very educated in what they do. They spend much of their time studying the Gospel and then putting their faith into practice. That not only takes dedication but also knowledge. Snake handlers are no different than any other religious individual in America. The fact of the matter is that every religion has something that the other religion will condemn. In Fresno alone there are so many different churches, denominations, and religions if you name it, we probably have it. This makes our City and Community so unique.
Fresno isn’t done growing or changing, in fact it’s far from being done. Just as new development is making its way to the Downtown area to rejuvinate it; citizens from the North need to step out of their safe zones and embrace the cultural, social, and materialistic differences of the Downtown area. The same goes for the citizens in the south parts of Fresno.

Since 70% of America’s economy depends on consumption by the consumer, I suppose we shouldn’t convince our neighbors to stop with “keeping up with the Jones'” because it would probably mean that a lot more people would be out of work. Unfortunately, our society has evolved to such an extent that we can no longer realistically grow our own fruits and vegetables, hunt or fish for meat, and otherwise, live independently of one another. We depend on each other in so many ways. I don’t think consumption is our problem. I don’t think that having a large house disqualifies you from being in touch with your creative side. I don’t think that artists only suffer for their work and reject commercialism. Hollywood, Nashville and other film and music capital cities are full of artists, quite talented actually, who make incredible sums of money, yet produce our best art. They may have suffered early on, but they clearly do not suffer now. And I would suspect that there is plenty of art or music being created north of Shaw Avenue. I don’t believe the Tower District or River Park has a monopoly on artistic talent. Fresno does suffer from a divide, however, but it is not “achievement orientation versus artistic orientation”. It is more of a divide of economy. Money separates people. In more than geographical terms, money divides us. The so-called rich living north of Shaw may have more material things and the artists south of Shaw fewer material things, but money still divides. Families of low economic means are often large, because having more children often means, not only more workers that could contribute to the support of the household, but also more connection, togetherness which inherently brings richness to life. Conversely, families of high economic means are often small, perhaps “only child” families and divorce and separation become the norm because of the economic freedom each family member has, allowing them more choices, often means becoming distant from one another. And as many of us know intuitively, if not through study, large, lower income families are often the closest and happiest in the most meaningful sense and small, higher income families are often the most distant and miserable, notwithstanding all of their economic freedoms. I think it is fair to examine Fresno Magazine’s advertisers to ascertain who they believe their market to be. Although they may have other reasons for publishing the magazine, they have a simple priority, as do all businesses, and that’s to make a profit. If selling the magazine to Fresno’s highest income earners is a strategy that works to make a profit, then good for them. And if some of their subscribers have the money to purchase plastic surgeries, good for them as well. It is judgmental, hypocrisy to suggest that the Tower District’s struggling artist is leading a more meaningful life than the wealthy, married woman, who has the means to maintain her appearance through plastic surgery, if this is what makes her happy. In the same sense that the artist shouldn’t feel superior to the achiever, the poor shouldn’t feel inferior to the wealthy. The meaningless lives of others is a false examination. All life has meaning. No one’s life is more meaningful. Whether rich or poor, white or ethnic, gay or straight, whether a subscriber to Fresno Magazine or not, life can have meaning and more often than not, it does.

This is a very interesting article, and any “Fresnonian” can definately vouch for that invisible socioeconomic line at Shaw. I also found it to be very comical that some individuals would tend to be a little hesitant about going anywhere near the southern side of town, because it is only obvious and very true that the area poses a higher risk of crime; Lower income areas generally equal higher crime rates, it is a concrete fact in criminology. I am not any different, I tend to think twice about venturing past shaw, but the mexican food is simply too good to resist.

I have not lived in Fresno my whole life. I actually came from a town about an hour south of Fresno, and let me tell you, it made a big difference. For one, the population increase is the first thing that you notice. Fresno has countless major streets, where driving during prime time hours could be an adventure in itself. My hometown has ONE major street. In my hometown, although crime is somewhat of a problem, it is still a big deal if gun shots are heard and reported. The “bad” side of town is easily distuinguished, yet civilized. It was definately a bit of a cultural shock to be here in Fresno as well, not that my culture was not well represented (because it is majorly represented), but simply the amount of diversity. For instance, people of indian, or middle eastern decent are very seldom in my hometown, but here in Fresno they own and operate basically every used car dealership on Blackstone. Also, overall this area is much more “democratic” (especially the Fresno State Campus) than my hometown, also a very troubling shock. Finally, with population increase the crime increase. Crime is an everyday thing here in Fresno. The police department is reactive rather than proactive, just going from call to call. The “bad” side of town really is, BAD. There is a big difference. It is amazing what 50 miles and half a million people can do. That is just my take on this article and my support of the socioeconomic difference.

Being a fairly new transplant to Fresno, I found this to be an interesting article.

I have been to most parts of Fresno on drives and have seen a varying degree of communities. While there are some I would feel more comfortable living in, I do not see that one area trumps another. Each neighborhood has something great to offer. My mother shops at a place called the Bingo market south of McKinley. There are perishable items left out near warmers that shoppers scramble for. People bring in what I would consider weeds from their own backyards and sell them for a quarter for others to make soup with. There are so many types of meat that I do not even recognize and are definitely no color I have ever seen meat. Though perfectly safe, for some, I do not eat food from there. I am not so brave. But many are. The community that shops there for their food is one of Fresno’s community.

I am from the Bay Area and when I sold my modest home in San Jose to buy in Fresno, I found that I could buy almost any home I wanted. I chose a modest home here in Fresno. While north of Shaw, by no means north-north of Shaw. The Fresno I remember from my childhood was farmland full of small homes and trailers on ranches. For me to buy a house larger than I needed was more about the resale value than the ability to show off what I had or could buy. I have a truck from the early 90’s (which I will run into the ground) and a newer civic. My neighbors have spoken to me about parking my vehicles in my garage as to not detract from the look of their professionally landscaped yards where their BMW’s park in front of their upgraded homes. I live in an area where caterers are hired for children’s parties and maids come to clean the homes of the stay at home moms. Although I live in this Fresno community, this is not my Fresno community.

I have lived in a very poor neighborhood in New Orleans surrounded by projects. I have lived in a gated building of floor sized flats in Seattle. I have little in a “Little Mexico” area in San Jose (my husband was the only white person on the entire street). I have lived in the Almaden Country Club area of San Jose.

The one common thread between them all: some people like to show off the things they can afford, some people like the comfort of consistency in chain restaurants, some people like the sound of street musicians outside their bedroom windows, some people like to ride a bike rather than drive a car, some people choose to live in in-law quarters on another’s property, and some people do not have the luxury of these choices.
All of these people in all of these cities, they are not unlike. All these groups make up a community. Although we may not like parts of our communities, they are us. All of these people make us one. So as I laugh at my neighbor polishing his Bentley (yes, Bentley) next to his house that cost a few dollars less, I laugh to myself. I judge. I even wonder for a second what it might be like to have a Bentley…

I am also like you. I buy what I need not what I want most of the time. But like anything else smooth marketing and shiny things can make you forget your frugal self sometimes. But the keeping up with the Jones attitude is not only persistent in America. I lived in Asia for ten years. I can tell you the search for status and wealth is just as competitive if not more than in America. But you are right why would someone buy an extremely expensive Euro car that cost more than their house? Jeeze!!

The viewpoint that the American life is the “pinnacle of human experience” is something that I’ve had personal experience with; the idea that our way of life is the best is one of the most arrogant and conceited mindsets in the world. I have recently spent three months in Spain studying and traveling throughout Europe; when I returned back to the U.S. I was confronted by comments from people saying “how nice it must be to be back in the greatest country in the world”. After everything I had learned during my travels, I as a very typical ‘proud to be an American’ type, I was astonished by the arrogant mentality of many Americans. After visiting the homes of some Spanish gypsies, which were caves in the mountainside of the Spanish Sierra Nevada’s, I experienced first hand that the typical ideal American home is not the only option let alone the best. To many Americans, living in a cave would most likely be seen as unfit for human occupancy; yet the cave homes were so pleasant that the standard American home seems so materialistic, greedy and pathetic.
Many Americans have so much and yet they are seemingly never satisfied with their current possessions and have an insatiable desire for more and more. Throughout my travels I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to see many very pleasant cultures which live at a much lower level of means compared to an average American household yet the people appear to be more happy and less stressed than the typical working American. Also a question can be raised, with all our advantages and wealth why are Americans why are we some of the most dissatisfied and unhappy people?

As Anthroguy points out in the article, it’s too easy to point the finger at others in an egocentric bubble and see fault outside of ourselves. More often than not, we are all guilty of this snobbery. Whether it’s the so called “hippie community” in the Tower District, the sushi eating and BMW driving denizens of Copper River, or someone in between, we judge and we usually judge harshly those who are most opposite us. I often visit my friend in his McMansion and sit on the terrace overlooking the counterfiet lake that it lies next to. Yes, I have to press the button to call him and gain entrance to his gated community’s sanctuary. I drive past homes of grotesque consumer over-consumption and gaze in a mixture of awe, envy, contempt, and bewilderment. Do I myself strive to attain this lifestyle? More yes than no (I admit I do drive a BMW…and yes, I like it). I’m sure there are “hippies” living in the Tower District driving around in BMWs in as much as those who reside in Copper River/Woodward Lakes. It’s a lifestyle choice, and it’s one that is unique to the individual.

Andy Warhol and Salvador Dali were artists who hobnobbed with the rich and famous. I’m sure given the chance, so would those that protest otherwise. I surely wouldn’t protest if the keys to a McMansion were placed in my hand. Does this mean that the Tower crowd vilifies the Copper River crowd because of this socio-economic difference (the proper terminology is “hater”)? I say no. To be stereotypical, they would still drive their rusted 1960s VW bugs looking for organically grown foods at the local farmers market instead of Whole Foods (Tower crowd, please don’t take offense to the generalizations…it’s meant for humor).

The Anthroguy’s insight regarding the us versus them mentality of Tower District hippies and Copper River yuppies are for the most part true. It’s a question of Starbucks taste versus local coffee shop with sometimes little in between and south of Shaw versus north of Herndon. They have formed their own separate enclave communities in Fresno that rarely intermingle (Tower District and River Park).

But in my travels, this is so similar to many communities but one stands out differently in its integration of the local art community with the yuppie nouveau riche crowd. Berlin has tried to buck this trend and built up it’s artistic community alongside the trendy fashionista crowd with some reasonable level of success. Paris too has tried to buck the trend of the starving artist/free-spirit hippie and made more mainstream their image to make it en vogue.

And back to the dilemma with the Copper River McMansions. Are they really no different from us? Yes and no. Each side can’t really hope to understand the other but they can definitely try to accept each other.

Hillary and Tigon both note (and others might have as well farther back in this discussion) that their experiences of people in other countries show how we might view our own Fresno communities. I wonder whether that might be the issue here. If only all Fresnans traveled within the city the way some people travel the world. Or if we all traveled the world. If people do not see how other people live, but are only aware that it is different from their own lives, isn’t it easy to imagine that the other folks’ ways are wrong?

This might not be a logical conclusion in every society, but the United States’ dominant culture – and quite a few of its subcultures that I can think of – boasts about opposition. We use language of conflict in everyday situations (for example, “I’ll wipe the floor with you in this game!” and “aim your advertising at your target audience”). Masculinity in particular is broadly identified with swagger and threat, whether the males are wearing t-shirts or business suits. Popular entertainment thrives on competition, even making music and dance into something like gladiator fights, with participants and audiences typically throwing threats or boasts towards their opponents (not ‘fellow players’).

My point is just that the default position of our minds in the U.S. is likely to be oppositional. Perhaps if we traveled more we would understand more. In the absence of information, the imagination fills in the details.

That’s not really a novel thought, of course. This reminds me of Mark Twain’s The Innocents Abroad (1869), showing boorish Americans making no effort to understand the places and cultures they are visiting; it is still cringe-worthy after more than a century. The Ugly American (1958) had a fictional Burmese journalist write, “A mysterious change seems to come over Americans when they go to a foreign land. They isolate themselves socially. They live pretentiously. They’re loud and ostentatious. Perhaps they’re frightened and defensive, or maybe they’re not properly trained and make mistakes out of ignorance.” Sounds a lot like what we’re talking about, doesn’t it?

I think US culture does not train us properly to gather information with positive expectations, or to admire the incredible coincidence that we are all alive on this planet at the same time. It trains us to expect opposition, and to meet it belligerently. That might make us useful in real conflict situations (I’m personally a fan of the Ironman films – that’s real life, right?). As the recently leaked records of the US war in Afghanistan document, however, that worldview can lead to ‘uncounted civilian deaths’. That’s more awful than Anthroguy thinking to himself ‘Ick’ as he looks at a barren neighborhood. And of course, he caught himself, and wrote about it, and we all read it and many responded. So maybe we’re better than our culture expects because we think about these things. Or maybe we just sling words as ridicule and gossip instead of maiming and killing. It ain’t easy, as Ringo said, but I do think we all should make travel a goal in itself. The rest might follow.

This is definitely an eye opening blog post. This goes to show that if you do not explore anywhere outside of ‘your own box’ then what can you really learn about the world around you? When we learn of what other cultures, or other people who are within our own culture, are doing and how they live their lives as opposed to how we live ours we think of it as strange or meaningless. We ask ourselves “Why would anyone do that?”, “How can someone live like that on a daily basis?” and so on. The point is that when we see how someone else lives their lives we learn to appreciate our own more than before, maybe because it is what we are used to doing or seeing on a daily basis, or maybe it is for other reasons. From personal experience, I grew up with many friends who were of a different culture than myself, and when I first learned of their ways of doing things, I was slightly confused, and honestly did not know how to react in some situations. Once I became more familiar with their way of living it became easier to go around my friends’ families, and I soon felt like I was part of them. Not everyone who is different from ourselves is strange or meaningless, it is simply how one perceives the way they do things that brings meaning to what or how they are doing something. It takes some exploring of various kinds and types of people before one can truly understand what makes others happy, or even unhappy, and also gain an appreciation for what one has of their own.

If malls were the perceived center of an area, then it first began Downtown with the Fulton Mall, and then it moved to the Manchester Mall, then Fashion Fair, and now River Park. While moving north and not spreading outwards naturally (but rather in patches located around the mall) the parts that do eventually get filled in are essentially left to rot.

The dependence on cars in this town, the ever sprouting neighborhoods (the ones with little to no trees as defined by much of north Fresno), and dedication people have to stay in their own area get worse with each decade. Before you would hear someone say that they wouldn’t travel south of McKinley. Then it was Shaw. Further north, people now say they don’t travel south of Herndon.

Each area is reliant upon itself, even though we are people of one city. Each area is also weary of the other. You won’t see many “northerners” hanging out at Liningstones on a weekend. Not only because of the relatively long drive, but because of the people who do frequent the (wonderful) bar. Subsequently, you don’t get many Tower folks going up to The Standard (or whatever that bar is now on Fort Washington & Friant), let alone traveling to the Elbow Room.

I would like to say that I myself am neutral in this regard, but I am of equal guilt. I don’t enjoy the north part of town much. I can get self conscience driving my old car around a sea of Mercedes and BMWs. Then again, it looks so clean and new. You can’t help but stare out your window in awe of buildings and street signs without gratuitous graffiti on them.

As such, it obviously goes both ways. I can feel however I want to about the “snake handlers”, but only if I realize that they feel the same about me. But life is all about compromise. Just because I may feel uncomfortable about another person’s lifestyle doesn’t mean I should judge. I do think a giant 12 foot door is unnecessary. I despise much of the idea of plastic surgery when done in vain. Then again, I also don’t think it’s cool to have a hip, witty logo on my tee shirt, or wear a beanie in the middle of a Fresno summer, or wear purposefully tattered clothes because it’s “the style”. My priorities in life are far different, but we are still the same.

What is hard to see though, is that we are all Fresnans. We’re all too quick to identify ourselves as “from Tower”, or “off of Friant”, or “near Copper”. However, the town itself has been developed in such a way that it is promoted, if not encouraged. Such is the “American Dream”. Such is our need to judge ourselves and others on our accumulation of “stuff”. “Ohhh, my stuff is bigger”, “I have more stuff!”

We all live in the same flat, hot, and polluted city. We all have to drive down the awful strip-mall-esque Blackstone Ave. We all inevitably have to deal with the horrible 180 E/W merge on to north 41 (seriously, who thought that was a good idea?) during rush hour.

Once we get passed that, we all deal with our wonderful culture, great location (4 hours in any direction to every climate and elevation this wonderful state has to offer), and all get to share in the greatest simultaneous sigh of relief when winter rolls around. We’re not all that different, even though many of us would like to think so.

I don’t know much about Fresno. In fact when I first got out the Navy and decided to go to Fresno State I was very excited. Until my first semester when I happen to meet several people. In trying to make friends I just so happen to meet some none friendly Fresnans students. Basically telling me to go back to the Bronx or New York, you quido. I also gotten the “what ethnicity are you” My reply Puerto Rican or New York Rican. I get the mumbling under there breath “What are you doing here then. All this lead me to do some research on the Town I decided to go to school in. I read up a lot not too much information on Fresno culture. What I did get was things like Fresno is the %@! of California. It’s is not a friendly city it is full of wanna be celebrities and elitist. How Clovis the closest town to Fresno had the 2nd highest KKK membership in the U.S.. How that most Fresno state students are just trying to hard to be part of a group. With no individuality at all. The more and more information I got, the more justification I felt for the previous insults I had gotten. As I began to think about more and more. I remember growing up in the Bronx. I thought about if it was any different than when I lived in the Bronx. I said no in fact living in the Bronx was a lot harder. The people in the Bronx were no different. They just had a different style when doing things. They looked different they talked differently. The Bronx is full of racist just like anywhere else. For me to judge Fresno or it’s people is wrong of me.

Anthroguy, you’ve presented an interesting dynamic between Fresno community and Fresno Magazine. I come to this blog and Central Valley community with quite possibly naive eyes, however, I grew up traveling and living seasonally between different cultures within the state of California – the East Bay, just south of Berkeley and rural Sierra Nevada Mountains. Fresno is additionally a new cultural ballgame for me and yet no matter where I have lived, it does appear tensions develop as values clash – not just in Fresno – but as a universal experience. Communities, themselves, seem to be the catalyst for conflict and the more diverse the Petri dish of personalities, values and agendas, the more intensified and interesting the dynamics. Acceptance of other people and their cultures doesn’t seem to be complex so much as challenging to maintain a multitude of what I like to call lifestyle ‘spheres’ thriving in one place. Another argument for population management, recycling and awareness of global warming effects but that is another loaded topic in itself. If I could illustrate the scenario, I would portray a multitude of lives orchestrated with individual screenplays and musical scores all playing outwardly, sincerely and externally at once. What a cacophony of chaos to experience should it be implemented, and on the other hand, we do kind of live this way in an orderly fashion, internally filtering and selectively responding to relevant or irrelevant information along with learned boundaries, behaviors or expectations of culture and control of our personal volumes….. until something happens to initialize the jockeying for the increased and justified power of personal volume control.

I found myself squeamish when I viewed publisher and editor Melanie Warner – Kennedy’s marketing video requesting votes to support her dream job, an Oprah like talk show, “Secrets of Sisterhood Survival”. In addition to squirming, I began to fall into the same trap of reactive labeling or desire to control the volume control of her personal and seemingly marginalized agenda towards women, artists and economically disadvantaged people.

Reading the declarations of her publication, Fresno Magazine, goal and mission statement along with her marketing video I cringed with opposition to hear her declare she represents ‘real women’ who are too busy and need help turning their “Boo Hoos into Whoo Hoos.” On one hand the mags mission is “To celebrate the Fresno area by building community pride & awareness through a shared creative voice.” And yet on the same website, the magazine clearly states the preferred market “ a premier audience of well-educated, higher-income families who shop, dine and travel frequently.” And finally her marketing video “Secrets of Sisterhood Survivalhttp://myown.oprah.com/audition/index.html?request=video_details&response_id=7509&promo_id=1displays seems to be another message of a self serving solution – survival of the woman against all odds – packaged up in a nice contrived box of marketing magic for the “common good of womankind.”

Call me cynical or in this valley a bleeding heart liberal feminist artist who has confronted those real ‘women issues’ but in one fail swoop, through these three publication statements, she seems to marginalize and exclude artists, certain population of women and life’s adversity and categorize or perceive people into binary thinking modules and reinforce a ‘place’ or ‘purpose’ for women. She seems to be sexualizing their gender and issues excluding those “Others” outside of her sphere. An error recognized and realized by Betty Friedan, an American writer, activist, mother, and feminist who excluded women by not including women who lived outside of white middle class female struggle.

Kennedy places herself in a similar role and purpose, as Rozsika Parker and Griselda Pollock describe in Old Mistresses: Women, Art and Ideology as defined by patriarchy regarding the dominant definition of the art world from the mid eighteenth century to mid twentieth century. The perspective that “the art of men can only maintain its dominance and privilege on the pages of art history by having a negative to its positive, a feminine to its unacknowledged masculine.” A strong statement that defines the status of women and their contribution to the world as only purposeful if in the position of counter to the dominant culture.

I look back to your statement “Gain conceptual tools to understand any socio cultural situation.” And I say to myself what tool do I need to understand this female’s perspective in Fresno? As an artist, who was single and hardworking for decades, overcoming unwarranted or unexpected adversity, assisting family and friends, I made choices based on what was meaningful and satisfying to me. Creative means innovative, out of the box, unique; Shared means inclusive, diverse, collaborative; and Help means improvement, enhancement, supportive. I am referring to not only my actions but the people around me and how they will be effected by my actions. So of course I would perceive her attempts to debunk her ‘superwomen’ myth as superficial, contrived and tiresome as well as less than liberated or for the common Fresno good since her mission statement and activities seem to imply elitism – a consequences of patriarchy.

But I digress, eh? To label her an elitist could be insensitive to her intent and ability to be someone and reciprocally undo her opportunity to see my ability to be someone with a meaningful, satisfying life. And yet its hard to see her as anything but when she comments that people in south Fresno are too cheap to pay for her subscription yet does not include them in her target market. She seems to include and exclude according to the circumstances that benefit her personally under the guise of feminism. And I take offense to this strategy for improving the lives of humankind – Especially in today’s successful DIY Riot Grrrl Third Wave Feminist Movement.

So how do we elevate ourselves as humans to a level of equally appreciated and accepted experiences and values? How do we dissolve the boundaries of spheres of influence and Western canons of dominance? One thought is to make more effort towards removing the boundaries of exclusion by listening to the feminists of the 1960 and 1970s and todays feminist which emphasize inclusiveness. Their ability to be willing and able to see established language, iconography and psychoanalysis as tools that wrap people up into restrictive roles and responsibilities as unequal and take this awareness as an opportunity to dissolve walls of injustice was practical. Has the new women of our age become so accustomed to the de facto status of benefits earned by hardworking feminist of the 1960 and 1970s and today’s active
contemporaries that she ignores the risk of unraveling the accomplished benefits she experiences to move her own agenda?

I say if you are going to have the chutz – pah to embark on community oriented contributions, be responsible and place your energy towards inclusiveness, access and equality for all. Because I agree, all men, women, LGBT, of all lifestyle, profession, economics, culture and ritual have value to contribute, offer opportunities to synthesize their cultures with new practical solutions and desire meaningful, satisfying lives. One size does not fit all; however; implementing a world without walls and labels does fit all hearts. Well – idealistically til the bureaucracy or power struggle hits…. And then we circle around again.

Although I agree that there are equally valid arguments for the lifestyles seen on either side of Shaw Avenue, I don’t feel that Fresno Magazine is representative of any lifestyle, and I feel that Fresno Magazine is having a negative impact on the image of South Fresno.

I know you said that the breakdown of the magazine’s subscribers is irrelevant to the post, but I would like to know how many of the subscribers actually have a vested interest in the version of Fresno presented in the magazine. Fresno Magazine claims to have over 150,000 readers, however their own media kit indicates that the magazine has only 5,600 paid subscribers, or less than 1% of the population in the Fresno-Clovis area. Even if each subscriber lives in a house with two other people who also read the magazine, the total number of dedicated readers would only amount to 3% of the population. I would assume, based on the large readership figures provided by the magazine, that the remaining copies of the magazine end up in offices, break rooms or waiting rooms. If that’s the case, then the vast majority of the magazine’s readers don’t have a vested interest in the content as it relates to their lifestyle. The magazine is just something that they can use to kill a few minutes before their next appointment.

I have nothing personally against Fresno Magazine. I’ve enjoyed some of its articles, and it plays a critical role in the community as a prominent Fresno print publication. In fact, aside from the Fresno Bee, I don’t know of any other Fresno-centric publications that have such a wide circulation. What bothers me is that Fresno Magazine is something that is trotted out, along with Riverpark, to give Fresno a squeaky-clean image, particularly to people who have never been to Fresno before. Fresno Magazine often serves as the face of Fresno to newcomers and, by presenting the city as an Orange County-style suburban paradise, it contributes to the (largely undeserved) stigma surrounding the downtown and Tower District areas.

This article points out an interesting thing. Perspective in Fresno is different. Fresno is a large place, and depends on region, people’s lifestyles are different. In north part, they tend to have a nice large home, expensive cars, and dogs and cats, but in south area, they live in small house. It made me think of a sense of worth. People in north part in Fresno tend to think get high status job and spend much money in their life is important, and people in South area in Fresno tend not to think so. They do not care about other’s perspective. For example, if he/she wants to be rich, they will choose a job they can earn money most who are north part people. If they do not, they will choose what really want to be no matter how much they can earn who are south part people. Some people might think north or south region people thinking are inefficient or ridiculous, because they do not have such thinking. People learn about their values from parents, neighbors and other resources, so they do not understand other thinking besides their own culture. They judge only from their own views they have. Both of their thinking are their value. I believe people cannot value anyone in lifestyle or thinking. There are their ways to be happy.

This is an interesting article. I think that the main idea of this article is an ethnocentrism. Ethnocentrism defines as one’s belief which his or her cultural group or ethnicity is superior. This belief exists not only for cultural issues but anywhere including a place we live in Fresno, a job we have, foods we eat and things we do in free time. It is easy for us to say “uneducated ignorance” for a group of people who do different things from us and look down the people. It makes us to feel safe to believe what we do is right and others are wrong. However, I think that there is no right or wrong for a way of lifestyle but we only have a different point of view. This point of view is hugely influenced by people we know. People judge others only based on their belief and value but it should be avoided. A common view of FM subscribers written in the article is also judgment. Even though their life seems very different from mine, a FM subscriber may like same TV program and music or find a lot of commons. Since we are in Fresno I agree that “we’re not so different.” What it is important here for an individual is to accept differences and erase an stereotype belief of he or she is inferior (superior). This helps us to live in Fresno community more comfortable.

I am not from Fresno so I am not familiar with the Tower District or downtown Fresno. I did not even know that Fresno had a magazine. When reading the post I was reminded of any big city that has a supposedly high class side and a lower class side. This happens in many cities. One person may grow up in the same city as another but have a totally different view of it. One may grow up in lower middle class and see one part of town and experience some hardships and see things that the upper class only see in movies. I don’t know but maybe the person who makes the magazine has not seen downtown Fresno and has not experienced it and maybe that is why this person portrays Fresno the way they see it in their magazine. It may be wise for the person who makes Fresno magazine to really go out and experience all of Fresno even the places they never mention in the magazine. I ask this question, “If you owned a magazine of your town how would you portray it?” Would you portray the least attractive side of you city or would you portray the so called upper class side? How would you want outsiders (people not from your town) to view your city? I believe people should think about these questions before they start talking about someone else who is doing it.
This posting gives a great anthropological perspective about how people see each other. Some people see others as the rich and some people see others as the poor. It has been this was for a long time and until people can see from the others point of view things are not going to change. Are we not taught to not judge people but what they look like? As the saying goes “don’t judge a book by its cover”. Yet society still does it. I to have done it when driving on the other side of town I say “this is the rich side” this happen to be the side I do not live on. Is it not the American dream? No, because not everybody thinks the same. Some people would be happy with just the necessities. Others are happy with more.
The title of this post has a lot of meaning “the meaningless lives of others” because the lives of others are not meaningless to the people who are living them. We may not understand why people do the things they do and until we do understand we should not judge. We are no better then the people we judge. Even though we may think we are better or that we make better decisions others may think the same thing about you. I believe that people are not so different because they are all striving for the same goal and that is to make a better life for them self. I believe that all people want, no matter which side of town you grew up, is to be happy with them selves.

This Article was very interesting to me personally because this is a dynamic about Fresno that has really never been explained to me but is something that I came to realize through my three years of living here. Oh, and thank you very much for explaining the differences north and south of Shaw as well as the meaning of the Copper Ave comment. I would have been very confused if it was not there.

I am an outsider originally from Orange County and only really came here to go to school, so I’m sure that people would immediately want to lump me in with those that reside “above Shaw”. When moving here I did actually have an apartment south of Shaw and just above Kings Canyon where it was obviously an older area with much more diversity than I was originally used to and the difference is obvious in that respect when you do look at the population above Shaw. Regardless, I have have been taught and always believed that people should be given a chance to prove their “worth”. That worth is not to be judged on material possessions or where they live, but based on their character. Furthermore a persons friends can tell you much more about a person than how big their house is, what kind of car they drive, or even where they choose to eat and it goes both ways.

I fully agree that something like that is hard to teach but everyone should understand that they would not want to be judged so quickly or so harshly based on those few things. We are all capable of great or horrible things and I personally hope that someone would only judge me on my actions before they judged me on an acquired inanimate object.

I find this article to be very true of people today. When comparing red apples (residents South of Shaw) to fuji apples (residents North of Shaw) we sometimes over look that both are two different kinds of the same fruit. This blog speaks a lot of truth of the way two different cultures react and respond to one another. Groups of people have a natural tendency that causes them to draw conclusions about people, forgetting that there is really no difference between us. We are all trying to live “meaningful and satisfying lives.”
Many people like, Melanie Warner Kennedy, make horrible speculations about another group of people they have no knowledge of (the US is guilty of this in Afghanistan). Melanie’s comment was most obviously driven by her ego instead of her essence; this is something that is very common in people, most commonly Americans. Just because the residents South of Shaw do not live parallel lives with the residents North of Shaw does not make them inferior, they are in fact equal.
I agree with this article because in reality our culture has become “materialistic sheep.” We subconsciously want to feed our ego’s bottomless hole filling it with power, money, greed, and the latest iPhone. We become completely oblivious, not only to the imaginary line separating North Shaw from South Shaw, but also our imposing culture on other countries. North of Shaw residents are most likely more ego driven, spending money on vanity (plastic surgery) than residents South of Shaw who might choose an artistic outlet (tattoos). North of Shaw residents prefer a superficial lifestyle, while South of Shaw residents prefer a more creative lifestyle, however, neither one should be considered better than the other.
Kennedy believes, a better word here might be assumes, South of Shaw residents are “too cheap” to subscribe to Fresno Magazine. Just because you don’t possess the latest issue of FM does not make you incapable of living a meaningful life. As a country we place these assumptions on Afghanistan, considering them unable to live a non-violent and fulfilling life. When in reality, the US is trying to impose their lifestyles and their meaning of a “life” upon them, much like FM is doing through media driven articles.
Bottom line is everybody’s perception of a “meaningful life” is different. There is no right or wrong definition; it is the person who defines their own life, not a magazine, not another country, and most certainly not what side of town you live on. So, yes, take this blog’s advice and lighten up a little, if you allow your ego to get in the way you most certainly will miss out on some important diversity that happens all around you. My advice to Kennedy, break away from your uniformity of North of Shaw and step over the” line” to experience South of Shaw, with uniformity comes the lack of individuality and who wants to be just like everybody else?

Who does not want to be born with a silver spoon in their mouth? I know I do, but unfortunately, I am not born with them. I have to work hard to acquire the things that are needed in order to survive. I go to school not because I wanted too, but because I believe it will make my life better and achieved that education status that I wanted. Also, I work hard not because I want to keep up with the “Jones” next door, but to have a decent life for my family. I am a first generation, and I work hard to have the thing I have right now, for instance a car and a comfortable home in North East Fresno. I used to live in the South West Fresno, and it is a different environment when I was growing up. All you see surrounding you was poverty. As for living in the North East Fresno, it is still the same; you see a mixtures of poverty and richness in some areas, but that does not mean that everyone live superficial or materialistic lives. The area where you live should not be a tool to define who you are. It is an individual choice that one makes should define who you are instead. However, I think it is not the place where you lived or what you have that make you happy or have a meaningful life, but how you lived your life. If you keep comparing yourself with the “Jones” next door, then you’ll end up being unsatisfied with your life, and keep striving to find that happiness. There will be no end to that.
The blog indicates “Judging from the ads in FM, they spend lots of disposable income on plastic surgery.” I think this is incorrect to say because who are we to judge about other people lifestyles or other cultures? It is a choice that people make for their life. It is a choice that people decide where to live, what to do or what to have. For instance, like the snake handling. Sure, it is easy to say that they are ignorant or uneducated, but again as long as they are content with their lifestyles, then we shouldn’t be judging them. I think the judging of other stems from our own insecurity and unsatisfying lifestyles.

Not being born in Fresno, I feel I have come to this place with a set of fresh eyes. One thing that has stood out to me since arriving here is the difference between North Fresno and Tower. The differences are actually quite impressive considering how short the physical distance. In fact, the difference between the two towns split by the dividing line of Shaw is really substantial.
I don’t think this is any surprise or cause for alarm however. Whenever there is a difference between new and old, there are people who take sides. There are the new, up and coming individuals who live in the modern, cookie cutter, large, houses who generally bring a lot of new wealth, shopping ability, and income to the Fresno area. Then there is the Old Guard, who stick to things that still exist in the way they once were, that value art and music and think beyond the materialistic.
Is there a feeling of animosity between old and new Fresno? Probably. There are those who prefer Denny’s as being the best answer without even considering the more local places to eat. And there are those who have sworn by Chicken Pie Shop since as long as they can remember. Whether you can walk from your house to Tower Theater, or Riverpark, just remember that there is great advantage to enjoying both sides, and that we need each half to exist as a whole.

I would like to start off by saying that this was a wonderful article that truly got me thinking how anthropology can be applied within our own communities, neighborhoods and cities. I’ve often thought of anthropology as the study of other cultures, with the general assumption that these “other cultures” were in faraway lands and countries. However, as this article has brought to light, there are in fact many different cultures all around us that can be studied and compared. As someone who lives north of Shaw I can understand how those who live in the Tower can look upon us as boring materialistic people, because for the most part we are. I feel like I am one of the few people who enjoy going down to the Tower district, going through the shops (my favorite being the record store spinners) one can get a sense of community and tradition, something that is missing in the northern end of Fresno. Instead of commercial and chain department stores there are independently owned and operated stores where the people care about their community and way of life. It reminds me of my home community of West Portal in San Francisco, which is a major reason why I feel at home in the Tower.

However, I can also understand how people north of Fresno hold on to their materialistic possessions and feel like the meaning of life lies within who has the newest car, biggest house, or newest electronic. It’s the reason that places like Riverpark exist, where chain department stores make countless of dollars fulfilling the needs for people to have the newest and best. The shops are new, clean, and somewhat modern. They all look alike and are often times arranged in the same way, allowing the customer to have a sense of knowledge, familiarity, and be in a comfort zone. At times I even find myself going to chains and national restaurants for the simple fact that I know what I’m going to get, what it’s going to taste like, and how satisfied I will be with the meal. While the excitement of going to a new place and trying something for the first time is an experience I enjoy I sometimes find that it’s easier to go with what I know I will get.

I feel that the sense of security is what many people enjoy and flock to, that and increasing their confidence by having the newest and coolest thing that everyone wants. It is a culture unto its own where people have their own way of living and interacting. Where status is determined in a different way. And while it is different than that of the tower it is still a culture that people have a right to participate in and that they may in fact receive joy from. The worst thing that I can do, however, is to judge them based on how I perceive the culture based on the stereotypes and prejudices I may have about what is right and wrong, cool or not. Thank you for helping me realize this and continue to raise my acceptance of other cultures around the world, realizing that every person has their place that they feel comfortable in, and who am I do judge which way is wrong or right.

I really enjoyed this article because it gives an example of how people judge others way of life and how we forget we all live the lives that we provide for ourselves. I liked how you started to say that in your class most students can accept that other cultures can lead fulfilling lives but cannot accept that similar lives can be lived by people similar to us. It is funny to see how people like to identify these different people as being ignorant and in need of more education. When in reality, they have more in common than they thought.
The comment that stated that the critics of the Fresno magazine are too cheap to subscribe sounded more ignorant than the critics themselves. The magazine does tend to appeal to people in the richer area of Fresno. I live near Shaw Avenue and my view of Fresno is a bit different than what the magazine portrays. They do have many plastic surgery advertisements and they highlight many upscale restaurants that have been part of Fresno for less than a few years. They are shown as being a hidden part of Fresno we are missing out on. Some places I never been and probably never go because it is not my style but that doesn’t mean it is not a great place. Perhaps the magazine should incorporate more restaurants and shopping centers that appeal to all and then the critics might subscribe to the magazine. Perhaps the beauty of downtown Fresno would be shown as well. I have lived in Fresno and I have just recently been hanging out in tower district and I have to admit that I have enjoyed it. Before that I always went to places like Roe, Twist and place in fig garden. Although I had fun at those place, I much rather hangout in Tower. The atmosphere is more relaxed and people are more interesting to look at. As I write this I remember the time I went to Standard for the first time. It was interesting, but not because of the place. The people there were interesting to look at, as well; they were not as creative looking as the people in tower. They looked like the stereotype Californians people see in reality shows like the Housewives of Orange County etc… The women were slender, blond, and dressed in stylish clothes. The problem with that was that many of them were older than my mother dressing in clothes a bit too skanky for me. I mean if you pay for those breasts then you should flaunt them I guess. As I make fun of the people I saw there, I have to remind myself that they are part of Fresno. They live in Fresno with the means they have provided for themselves as I live the life I can provide for myself. What we should remember is that when we criticize one part of Fresno we are neglecting the fact that we all have much in common. We all live here and want the same things. We are simply different versions of what Fresno people are like. So Fresno magazine, please dedicate half of the magazine for people like the ones in downtown and you will have more critics subscribing to it. I would for sure.

I enjoyed reading your perspective on how people view those that do live north of Shaw compared to those that live south. I grew up in Clovis north of Shaw and just recently started to venture down to the tower district. I think many people are afraid of going into that part of town because of certain things they may have heard or maybe they are snobby. When I think about the tower district I think of art because of the all the tattoo shops, Tower Theater and just walking around in the evenings some of the people are dressed more individualistic. Personally I was that type of person that was shy of downtown and the tower but I recently have been broadening my horizons and checking out the different restaurants. The atmosphere is unlike anywhere else and I think a lot more people would enjoy it as well if they only took the time to understand it. I agree that most people that do live in north Fresno are too stuck up and think that they are above what the tower district has to offer. I am positive that there are more reasons why people decide to stay in north Fresno and not check out what is more south. It would be interesting to find out what some of those reasons are.
There are a few people that I know of that live or have lived in tower district and they do not seem to lead unhappy lives. In fact I sometimes get the feeling that they are more satisfied with their lives because they seem like the type of people that are more carefree in comparison to those who live in north Fresno, work the nine to five jobs and come home stressed from a long days work.
About the being educated part I have thought to myself before, “If they were more educated they would understand”. Being the first person in my family to graduate college I sometimes get into little arguments with my parents when it comes to science because I understand a lot more about and they do not they do not believe me when I try to explain something. At the same time I try to understand that I am the child and they are the parent so in my culture it is not my place to be teaching them anything or tell them they are wrong. They often talk to me as well as my sister about religion and they believe that their religion is the only one that is right and it is their job to preach the word and convert others to their way of thinking. I think a lot of people feel that way about their own religion. Someone somewhere is always going to think they know more than someone else and that their lives are more satisfying than others.

To think that the modern main-stream American culture is the ultimate life style that a civilized individual should attain is simply hilariuos. My opinion is that there is not a single right way to live our lives, but many different ways. Sometimes these ways may seem to contradict the soundness of self-preservation to people outside of these societies like the “snake handlers”. But, if we want to continue to learn and enjoy a fruitful existence, we need to be respectful and curious enough toward different life choices. If we are able to be open minded toward how others approach life, it may fascinate us. Take for example, the “snake handlers” that were mentioned in the article “The Meaningless Lives of Others”. Some may find the way that the snake handlers live fascinating and strange. However, for many, including me, the idea of accepting such a way of life is difficult to digest at the beginning. However, at the same time, and for my own benefit, I feel the need to let go of any prejudice against the snake handlers’ way of life. By doing this, my feelings are modify toward their unique life approach.

From this conciliatory perspective, I can’t make the assumption that our society is right and every other society is wrong or vice versa. Hence, we need to keep in mind the old saying: “there are many ways to skin a pig”. Those that agree with this assumption will find very easy to accept others’ opinion. Nevertheless, it is important to realize that every society has the right to do things accordingly to their culture. Also deducing from this same perspective, individuals have the right to do as they please, as long as their actions don’t cause harm, hardship, or loss to others.

From this premise, I want to say that if the creators of Fresno Magazine (FM) have a particular agenda in mind that fulfills their interests, then, that is fine with me. Moreover, FM’s owner is just doing what any other business owner will do. That is, she is running her business to the best of her knowledge. Like any other business owner, sometimes her decisions are going to be productive and at other times unproductive for her magazine.

I don’t understand why some individuals from the “creative community” oppose such FM’s agenda, especially if those individuals are not even FM’s members. Moreover, I can’t concive of the thought that all these individuals from the creative community experience positive criticism to their art and creation all the time. I’m almost sure that at one point or another in their careers, these same individuals encountered strong negative criticism to their particular ways of doing things. The negative criticism probably didn’t deter them from approaching their art and creations the way they felt were satisfying and rewarding. Negative comments from their critics were probably diregarded.

As of today, I haven’t read FM and frankly, I don’t intend to do it. Just from what I’ve read in this article I’m able to get a notion of what FM is about. The article painted a picture of the subscribers of FM, and I know I don’t belong to the affluent, high class, upper bound individuals that enjoy the benefits of “Best of Fresno” polls. More importantly, I don’t identify myself to them culturally. However, I believe is up to them to align themselves, and to decide what is right for their group and for the magazine as well. If this group prefers consumism, and over-sized doors, let them be.

In my opinion, no matter how difficult it is to accept others’ ways of life, it is necessary to let others do as they please. When we are able to reach a point where we know how to respect and accept others’ actions, that is when we can become enriched culturally.

Being raised in a small farming community of around two-thousand people, I assumed Fresno would be a big step when I moved here two years ago to attend the University. Boy was I right. Fresno is a large city and very divided by race, ethnicity, social class, and occupation. I have lived here for two years and have stayed in my “comfort zone” around the Fresno State campus. I am not really sure why I have not ventured to downtown Fresno or tower district, beside the fact of the stories and reputation they have received from my peers. I am comfortable with going to school and not venturing out to far outside my little zone, I have put myself in. The people I have met and continued my friendship with throughout school participate in many of the same activities I do: working and school. As a college student, I do not feel as though we are judge too much, but the effects can be similar to judging a person of another social class or race. I have worked hard to be accepted into a university, pay for my tuition (consistently on the rise), and work full time. I deserve some acknowledgment rather than “I am just a student.” (just an example, I have since graduated and now work in the business industry) This is how I see the Fresno Magazine post compared to how I live.

Relating back to the post, it is very important to not judge and assume things of people or sections of town based only on what one may hear. It is unfair the way people decided to judge people based on comments and actions, rather than getting to know a person and their background. One person may be one of the richest people living in Fig Garden (based upon the big, Victorian houses & large yards) but donate their time and money to charities and their background may consist of years of schooling and hard work. We never know where a person came from and how that has affected their life and where they are currently. Just as mentioned in the article, Fresno is someone’s place. It is up to them (sometimes) on how they want to live, where they want to live, what job they want, and how they portray their Fresno.

I personally have enjoyed “my” Fresno, although I have not ventured out to all the places and locations this big, plentiful city has to offer, I have experienced what I wanted out of it. I have traveled to many agricultural locations on the outskirts of the city, multiple wineries and grain factories, that I have learned from and had a wonderful time experiencing those locations. I can “assume” I would not enjoy going to tower district and drinking at a bar as much as I would like visiting a farm up in the foothills. But once again, Fresno is so diverse because of this exact point. The people that live here have many likes and dislikes and this city creates a mixture of race, ethnicity, and much diversity. Although I may not like the same things as others, I still am able to respect them for sharing the common home in Fresno, CA, as I do.

There are some people that just feel and think that they are better than everyone else. They get on my nerves. Anyways, the people in charge of the FM, need to rewrite the entire thing. They need to start putting what Fresno really is and not what they think Fresno should be. There are nice things in Fresno but not everyone can afford to go to those places. They are living in denial, they feel like the correct way to live is their way. Totally untrue. There are separations in Fresno, I agree, South end and North end, and West and East. Each side has their own problems and own great spots and awesome entertainment. Its not always better to be rich and popular. No matter where you live you should be happy but you shouldn’t be putting others down. You might not notice but we all do at some time or another think that we are better than someone else. As someone commented earlier, Fresno State and Fresno City will be rivals for a long time. I feel like people in Fresno State think that they are better than Fresno City, but all in all we are all the same, human. Those people at FM should start hanging out with people that are living in other parts of Fresno so they can get a feel of all the things that they have been missing. There are some pretty nice things here..

I totally get what you are saying about Americans and their attitudes pertaining to consumption. It is easy to say that Americans have no culture because we are not snake handling or living amongst nature like many cultures around the world. Like you I have been guilty of this sentiment. Being on the inside and trying to look out is a difficult thing to do. Our perspective of the world and ourselves is skewed. It is easy to say that we have no culture because some of us define ourselves by material goods. Correct me if I am wrong would this not be a cultural practice within itself? I was reading a blog by Educational Anthropologist Herve’ Varenne and he made a statement that I think is appropriate, “Then, new conditions have been inscribed and “we” the future members of ad hoc congregations (Garfinkel’s term) or of “polities of practice (my term) must now make new orders. It will then be “as if” people were habituated into “their” culture (when in fact they are just putting up with someone else’s cultural production)”.
Varenne’s statement sheds some light on American culture. Those who buy into consumerism may be doing so because it has been instilled in our heads that the more we have the better we are. One has to remember, while not all of us subscribe to this way of thinking, those that do should not be seen as bad people, as Hank mentioned previously. To each their own. Those that have worked hard in order to buy the mansion with the huge doors, deserve it, if that’s what they want. It does not mean that those living South of Shaw have more meaningful lives than those that live North of Shaw. This just shows that people have different ideas about the type of lifestyle they want to live. Who are we to judge?

Great Article! I really enjoyed reading your article. It actually got me thinking how other individuals may be living their lives. Fresno isn’t a small town, I actually consider it a pretty large city. Like other cities, the part of town you live in defines you as an individual. Individuals who live in the Tower district are much more down to earth than those who live in north Fresno. Where you live shouldn’t define you as an individual. People do as they please and learn from mistakes they make throughout their life decisions. I believe the way people live, where they live and the religion they follow shouldn’t affect their life or categorize them. Therefore, whether you live in the Tower district or south Fresno the place you live shouldn’t define who you are as a person.

I really enjoyed this article, thank you! You bring up some very good points about how people on each side of Shaw view one another. As we try to make sense of our lives, it seems as if it is natural to view the lives of others as strange, outlandish, shallow, meaningless, the list goes on and on. Ethnocentrism is something that many people have in common. What is it about our being that leads us to believe that we have everything figured out? Somehow we get caught up in believing that we know the best and often ONLY way to live a rich, meaningful life.
I currently reside in Tulare with my beautiful, expecting wife and our two lovely daughters. In August of this year we moved across “the tracks” to the East side of Tulare, in a nice neighborhood with some nearby houses that have “large” doors. (Not Copper Avenue status, but for Tulare they are fairly nice). The comparison of the East and West sides of town in Tulare are comparable to the comparisons to those North and South of Shaw in Fresno. It seems as if this problem could be universal throughout the nation, maybe even the world?
During the start of my college career at Fresno State, I lived in Fresno, near Fig Garden (where there are “old-large” doors) for six years. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay in Fresno; I met a lot of interesting people and started many friendships during those years. I could honestly say that I enjoyed everything from the culture-rich Tower District to the North-east, FM subscribing, parts of Fresno. Although different in some ways, I agree with you when you say that they are not so different “when you strip away the posturing of taste.”
Spending nights at Veni Vedi Vici in the tower district were similar to spending time at Campagnia with friends. I always enjoyed going out to meet new people from different walks of life. Although there were different settings, many of the people I had a chance to meet were out for similar reasons; to unwind from a stressful day at work, celebrate a friend’s birthday, or just to enjoy a meal and cocktails with friends. Some places were a little more “stuffy” at times, but if you look at the interaction between people you realize that we have more in common than we would sometimes like to think.
When you write “the bottom line: goes easy on folks” I couldn’t agree with you any more. I believe that one of the most effective tools that we have is the ability to empathize and connect with others. It is important to understand and celebrate our differences in life because we are all very unique individuals with different talents and skills. But if we were to look at our most basic needs in life, we are all the same when it comes to needing food, clothing, and shelter. But most importantly, we are all the same when it comes down to the need to be and feel loved.

Great article I love the line “That someone is someone” My husband and I moved to the central Valley nine and a half years ago. We are both originally from southern California, we say L.A. but everybody says L.A. Ventura County is more like it. Small town for the area big towns compared to the Central Valley. We moved from Southern California to Northern California going to college, getting real jobs, and having children along the way. About the time child number 2 was on the way we decided we wanted to be “the somebody” we wanted to be. Not “the somebody” the media said we should be. That meant moving to a smaller area. Smaller than the big town we were living in North of San Francisco. It brought us to the foothills outside of Fresno past a little town called Clovis.
This article struck a chord in me. We moved here for several reasons one being the cost of living but another reason was that we liked the slower paced living. Where we live there is less emphasize on what kind of somebody you were and what kind of car that somebody drove and what kind of house that somebody lived in. In the first few years we were not aware of the stereotypes and the different areas of Fresno. We just knew where Whole Foods was located which was a necessity with our children’s allergies. We weren’t aware we were shopping in the elite Fig Garden area.
We chose to live in the foothills on a few beautiful acres where our children can watch the deer graze during the spring mornings and the creek fill to its capacity in the winter; All the while unaware that there are also areas on our little mountain with stereotypes. Apparently if you live on one side you are less privileged and live in the “bad neighborhood” if you live on the other side and your kids go to the other elementary school well then your status must be higher. The deeper our roots grow in the community the more people we meet that agree “you and I and they are somebody”.
I appreciate your ideal that the people in the beige boxed houses are not as cultured or valued as the cool people in tower. I would see people dressed in blinged out sweats suits driving their shiny SUV’s acting snotty as if they owned the world and I would laugh to myself and think how can you possible act like that you live in Fresno! Yes I will admit I was stereotyping, the exact thing I wanted to get my kids away from. I can’t tell you the comments we heard from people when we told them we were moving to “Fresno”. The ideal from people outside our area is astounding. The same ideal I was using when I was judging people. Of course I still judge snotty people; after all nice people are much more pleasant. I just don’t throw in the “you’re from Fresno” anymore.
Regarding the different “areas” of Fresno I find them each interesting and full of their own offerings and yes their own stereotypes. When we decide to go out for an evening one has to decide what are you up for? What kind of mood are you in? Yes Tower is more eclectic than North West Fresno but you can find good food and drinks at either place. As for finding a night life up here in the hills well that usually rotates from our house to our many diverse friends houses on the varies parts of the mountains. And yes we do have good food and drinks!

This was a very interesting article to read. I’m not from Fresno, I’m from a small town south of Fresno called Parlier. I do go to school in Fresno and I do spend some of my leisure time there as well. As a visitor of Fresno who has visited both of the places mentioned in the posting, I do see the difference in atmosphere and overall feel of the two places.

I like the example of the FM radio assumptions and how this can misconstrue some people’s thoughts of certain areas. We all come from different walks of life and sometimes it is easy to judge others personality and persona based on where they come from or where they live. It is wrong to do this but a challenge in itself.

Understanding that people of other cultures lead meaningful lives can be hard for everyone. We are all guilty of thinking this. I can say that I have thought this before as well. We are so involved with our own lives and ways of making ourselves happy that we don’t think others can do the same job that we could as making us happy. What comes to mind is the thought that some people are hard to find gifts for during Christmas or birthdays. We know what we would like to receive as a gift but it might not make another person happy. You can compare this to the theory that people have that other cultures don’t lead meaningful happy lives.

I come from a small city south of Fresno that many people always have the wrong idea of. Whenever I tell someone that I am from here they say, “I would have never thought you lived there.” This statement, to me is a little ignorant and thoughtless because it gets me thinking, what am I supposed to look like or act like if I am from Parlier? It is important to try and not make judgments and have misconceptions about people whether it is about where they live or the culture they come from. I have been guilty of this as well, I used to think that the people who lived in the Tower District were all very artsy and unapproachable and that they would look at me different because I just stood out if I would be there because I am not artsy. This was obviously a bad misconception to have. After visiting a few times and making a few friends from there, I realized that all of the thoughts I had were very wrong. I came to think that I should try harder at not judging or stereotyping anything until I get a better look at what its like.

All in all, it is necessary for a person to challenge their thoughts and misconceptions and give other cultures a chance and instead of judge that culture, learn from it. Learning from other cultures and experiences can only make a person more well rounded and educated on the world around them.

I really enjoyed the article, but I find it fascinating that people are concerned with the stereo type of where other lives and what their beliefs are. To assume that because someone lives in the Tower that they are a weirdo, a homosexual, or a throw back from the 1960s is incorrect, just as thinking that someone that lives in north Fresno or Clovis is wealthy, educated, or privileged and is probably white is incorrect also. The Fresno real estate bubble and burst moved people all over the greater Fresno area without regards for their appearance, status, or beliefs. Downtown is a great example and I truly hope it prospers, in spite of the City of Fresno. Downtown is known as a government hub, with the city, county, state, and federal offices located there. The courts and supporting business are downtown too. There has been some redevelopment with new condos and offices, but the vast majority of us flee downtown right after work. You can attribute that to the cities parking policies, crime, or the homeless in the parks and on the streets. I joke with friends and family that when they see the signs that delineate downtown they should lock their doors. That is an unfair characterization of downtown, except for the City of Fresno’s parking extortion program. There are great places downtown, the Federal building, the Mediterranean restaurant, the Downtown Club, Club One, and the list goes on. But if you told people that you lived downtown they would probably associate that with being poor, dirty, and crime ridden. With the new, or redevelopment, downtown I think it may become more fashionable and edgy to live downtown, but that will take years, maybe decades.
Back to the real point of my comment I wonder if people were asked to write ten things they would like to accomplish in the next year, if they would include moving to a certain area or building a huge house. I can remember some of the responses I heard in the past to that question. I heard things like promoting at work, finishing my education, increasing my portfolio, getting married, having children, traveling, buying a house and so on. When you change that question slightly and say you have six months to live what would you like to do during the next six months. I suspect that many of the previous things would not make it on anyone’s list. So my point is, in the grand scheme of things it does not matter where you live, how much money you make, what kind of clothes you wear, what you drive, or if you live north or south of Shaw Avenue. What truly matters is how you live your life. I suspect people would much rather be remembered for the great things they did for their families and the community, than what side of Shaw Avenue they slept.
I must share with everyone I am not a blogger at all. I have read the Fresno Bee blog a couple of times, but fine it less than entertaining and stimulating because it appears most of the comments that I read were either self serving or way too bias for me. I noticed this blog was different. People seemed more engaging and genuine. Thank you for taking the time to share.

Very interesting post! I must have to admit that I would have loved to be part of that discussion on Oseguera’s article. I don’t live in the city of Fresno, but I do visit it frequently and you can say I am familiar with its demographics. In response to the main argument being discussed here its interesting how those people of Copper Avenue or the ones from North of Shaw are considered to be Fresnan’s, yet it’s like if these people are the insiders of the city living in a bubble and moving around in their central geography. In other words, how can the owner of FM make such imply about the city without really knowing what a “Fresnan” is considered to be? What are the surroundings of these people and their lifestyle? You wrote, “FM subscribers are wealthy, conservative, eat at chain restaurants, and live north of Shaw in houses with over-sized doors. They are scared to go downtown and so they spend lots of time at River Park (a big shopping complex in north Fresno). Judging from the ads in FM, they spend lots of disposable income on plastic surgery. “I can see why the people from south Shaw or below Copper Avenue felt this certain way and why Oceguera’s article became heated. It’s funny and kind of ironic how every little city has the influx of these type of people, the copper avenue type of immigrants that ideologically set demographic and social class boundaries, it’s also sad how these individuals might be scared to travel down south of Shaw because they over generalize and assume that all of these Shaw southerners are equally social outsiders. Moving on from this point, I think “Copper Avenue and above” sounds like a nice title for an article or even a short story depicting the social class differences in the city of Fresno and how this might work as an inference for other such communities.

Very interesting insights I found when I was reading this post. It shows that many likes to carry on with what they do every day and what is consider culture and values to them. A lot of people do not like to change the way they live. For example, many who lives with lots of money cannot live a life where there is little money to use. The interesting that caught my eyes was the person that was talked about in the beginning of the post. I wonder if he lived by himself or not. It seems as if he is not living a satisfying life. The way a person lives and the culture they grew up in is the way a person perceives life. For instance, a rich person may be living a wealthy life and consider that a satisfying life or not. A person who lives with little money can also live a satisfying life. I think it depends greatly on how that person perceives their own life to what is available for them. This has to do with where you live and what you are acquainted that takes you to the place where you are most comfortable with. I can put myself as an example, when it comes to strolling around River Park; I am yet not use to the places there. It’s so different from what I am around most of the time. The things I see everyday are of a norm to me, but it is also vice versa towards the people to live at River Park. If people just take into consideration of other cultures, it will open their minds to many options that they can take on in life. That could only come if the person is willing to take the chance of acquiring a new culture. Reading this post has opened my mind to questions that I have never considered thinking about.

People are frightened of those that are different. I grew up in a neighborhood that went from a quaint small street with no more than 10 houses and a large amount of corn growing next to it to a large neighborhood with large houses and some interesting people who inhabited these large homes. My mom who is an avid gardener and absolutely despises grass in her yard has a beautiful front yard of trees and lavender bushes and many colorful flowers. All of sudden all of these homes popped up and we started receiving anonymous notes on how our front yard did not match the others in the neighborhood and therefore it was ugly and not kosher.
I enjoyed reading your article and I understand what you are conveying. Americans can be judgmental and cynical of those who are strange and different from themselves. Who are we to judge what is right and what is wrong?

I always hated how people from one area of Fresno would hate on another area of Fresno, but had never really visited it and or only experienced a fraction of it. I love how those not from Fresno talk about how there is nothing to do in Fresno, when there is a million things to do. I don’t think people really know Fresno at all and they take it not what its worth. It’s a great little town that’s been growing into an amazing city that has a lot to offer. I grew up right behind fashion fair off of ashlyn and my father was from the west side of shaw off the 99. I grew up going to down town. What sad is its like all the business keep trying to build only north of shaw while the rest of Fresno is left behind. Houses keep going farther and farther up the mountains, um I like my mountains to stay mountains and not little communities of homes that destroy its beautiful landscape…Stop moving north, there is a beautiful city south of shaw, but people tend to have that negative saying that its not a safe place to be. Most my friends who go to my college all live over there. The housing is cheap and the area is alive with tons to do. I went to a car show just a few weeks ago with my father, you would never see a classical car show up there over in riverpark, they have their snobbyness (I know not a word) to far up their I will not name! But you catch my jist? Well at least I hope. There is so much to this great city and people need to start giving back to it and embracing it or will be the down fall of ourself. Were not the next L.A with its malls and Hollywood fame. We have a place like that we don’t need another. We have a great city with a lot to offer that needs people to start noticing it.

This article not just got my attention, but seems to be an on going matter that we might not ever be able to resolve. Whether or not we want to change things, people are going to go off their beleifs and values no matter what. Fresno is such a diverse city, with different cultures and religions, which makes it a very fun place to live. No matter what part of town you are from the diversity will be there. Many people are obviously getting upset about comments because it is not what they beleive in or what they would have done. We are not going to be able to change many peoples beliefs or values from the way their culture lives them out, but we have no right to judge and frown upon what other people are doing. The society we live in and the diversity that is in front of us is not going to change. We need to adapt to our surroundings and accept the differences we as people have.
Of course we are not always going to aggree with what people do or say, because of our own beleifs and values, but lets not be quick to judge others. Fresno can be such a great place to live if we learn to live with each other. The diversity is never going to go away so the sooner we can accept each other and treat each other with respect, the more understanding we as people will be of each other.

As I began reading this article, I must admit that I was rather lost as to what you were getting at because I was focusing more on each individual section or paragraph as opposed to how they all tie in together. Then I began thinking about how these different sections are kind of a metaphor for the different communities of Fresno and how just as the sections of the article have one overall purpose, the various communities of Fresno have the commonality that we’re all people of Fresno. We may have differences based on our geographic locations within Fresno or our interests and hobbies, but when you get to the bare essentials, you realize that there may not be as many differences as some would think.
I grew up in a little area of Fresno known as Calwa and I didn’t know much else existed outside of that. My family moved to the outskirts of Fresno to a little town called Easton and then again moved even further out into the country where we were in the outskirts of the even smaller town of Caruthers. It wasn’t until I was in high school that I began to know a little more of Fresno, but even then my knowledge and experience was limited. Now as I spend most of my days driving around Fresno as well as having a job where I look at maps all day, I have expanded my view of this city, but I still have trouble finding my way around places that I rarely visit (i.e. Tower District). I think many people can relate in having a narrow view of what Fresno has to offer.
I think people get caught up in the same old routines that they never consider venturing into the unknown. But this is a common thing to do for people who are comfortable and don’t care or don’t have time for change (myself included). They go to the same movie theatre. They eat at the same restaurants. They shop at the same mall. They take the same route to work every day. It’s like we have these blinders over our eyes that prevent us from seeing so many options. One example that I can give is a personal one in which I have trouble deciding where to eat because my mind automatically thinks of the places I always go to. As a result, I am stuck in this loop of going to the same places because I only think of those places, and then only thinking of those places because they’re the only ones I go to!
I think it is very reasonable to believe that many people of the various neighborhoods throughout Fresno are faced with this same dilemma. It doesn’t stop there. My needs aren’t much different from the needs of anyone else so it is reasonable to believe that other people find themselves in many of the same situations I find myself in. They may be from different neighborhoods. They may have different interests. They may have different lifestyles. The thing that makes us all the same is that we are all people of Fresno.
I present a challenge to you. Try something new and get out of the cycle of endless routine. Go to a neighborhood you’ve never been and just get lost for a while. Go to a restaurant you’ve never been and order something you’ve never tried. Take off your blinders and experience Fresno for what it really is.

☺ I have never been a big Fresno Magazine fan. I have always felt it to be “missing something”. Never been able to pinpoint what it was until now. Let me say this, I have lived in North Fresno for about three years. I do all of my shopping, recreation, school, work, etc. here. However, as a child I was exposed to the very unpopular areas of Fresno such as Calwa, or neighborhoods near VanNess or Ventura downtown and the Tower District. I have never lived in those areas as I am from a small rural community (Riverdale) outside of Fresno. I have a very vivid memory of fun times and great food from the Fresno in my childhood. The Fresno I currently live in today is rushed and fast paced, repetitive, and demanding. I have forgotten about the wonders of the Tower District! I would love to take the time to go to Roger Rocka’s again sometime soon. Or to Mr. Sushi’s??? ☺ Or maybe to Tacos Tijuana for some great Mexican food. As I sit here and remember the savory scents, flavors, and sounds (because for some reason, there is a liveliness found to the South of Shaw I have not found in the North) it makes me want to drive out there and stop at every little shop I can find. But I remember why I am writing the review in the first place and need to get back to the point: Fresno Magazine lacks all of these down to earth places. For 20 dollars or less you experience great meals and great experiences.

I believe it is disturbing how Fresno expands further North every year, instead of revitalizing old Fresno. There have been revitalization attempts in the downtown sector with no success, but neighborhoods should be a target as well. This is especially true in our current economy since an increase in foreclosures results in older South Fresno neighborhoods left with abandoned houses, that results in a safety hazard and increased crime rates due to crack houses and other related crimes.
I believe Americans share a common goal in life. This common goal is a large house, a few kids, nice car, with plenty of money to support his/her family. These common goals is the motivation for the majority to go to seek advanced education, work towards a promotion, or just work day in and day out to support their family. Many people seek these cookie cutter neighborhoods because they seek a better education for their kids, because they usually have newer and better rated schools.
Fresno expands North because housing developments look for cheap land to build on, with crime rates considered. Therefore, it is more practical to build where crime is non-existent because nobody would currently be living in that area.

It’s so funny how quick people are to judge others on both sides of the terrain. I grew up most of my life on the north side of Shaw, but I remember always venturing downtown with my mother to visit the farmers markets. Now that I live on my own I live on the South side of Shaw, but to me I’m blessed that I have a roof over my head regardless of where it’s located. It is quite funny to me though how people from each side of Shaw will have some sort or criticism for the people on the opposite side. In the end like you said, we are all someone regardless of where we decide to place ourselves.

This whole discussion has me thinking a lot about the atmosphere here in Fresno vs. the area I am from in Southern California (Riverside area). When I was reading through everyone’s post I was comparing in my head the difference between my area and here, I noticed there is much more of a division between the two sides of the cities here than in any area in Riverside. I was told when I arrived here for school by a friend who lives on the North side of Shaw that anything South side of Shaw I shouldn’t even put my interest in going that way. I was told there is nothing good that way. I immediately felt the division of the two sides when I first arrived. For me I relate more to the south side divide, rather than the north side divide because I grew up in more of that kind of atmosphere. With that being the case, I feel like it’s not my place to make that division bigger, so I associate and take in views from both sides of the spectrum since I have arrived here. I do not or have not read the FM magazine but from what the discussion has mentioned about the division, I have clearly recognized in the 4 years of living here that it is pretty bad, and it’s evident upon immediate arrival.

I think that the “moral” of this article can be applied to more situations than just economic differences between people. All too often I see people becoming frustrated with others because of their lack of understanding. We are all raised differently, in different communities, with different beliefs of what is right or wrong, important or unnecessary, appealing or ugly. Chances are, at some point in our lives, we are going to encounter someone who doesn’t agree with us.
I really like the use of Fresno’s divided society as an example. People with contrasting economic status often never understand what life is like on the other side. The people described to be from north Fresno grow up with the resources to spend money to buy the next best thing in order to “keep up with the Jones’s.” Abercrombie is the cheapest brand they own and they need to keep the family tradition of going out to dinner every week going strong. But what do the southern Fresno residents see? Wealthy families throwing their money away on labels. Those with a few more money restrictions keep a savings and shop with knowledge of the best deals. These two groups of people do not (and may not ever) understand what is important to one another. Sooner or later we are going to have to come to terms with the fact that people will do things that seem stupid to us. Oh well.
But like I said, money issues aren’t the only thing building a barrier between people. Religion, ethnicity, gender, the list goes on. The subject that really interests me is religion and how it divides people. I’m sure the majority of the American population has been approached by someone preaching to them about why his or her religion is best. Here’s what confuses me: if religion, in general, is meant to bring peace to its followers, why does it cause so much conflict? Those who are extremely dedicated to their religion will actively criticize others and verbally abuse those who believe in other possibilities. There is a ridiculous lack of understanding among religious groups—maybe they do not need to understand one another to really get along. I feel that they should at least understand that, again, we are all raised differently, in different communities, with different beliefs.
This brings us back to the “bottom line” mentioned in the article. Go easy on people. Believe what you want, think what you want, buy what you want, vote for what you want. No one can control your own desires and thoughts, which also means that you cannot control anyone else’s desires and thoughts. The easiest way to deal with conflicts like these is listen to and respect someone else’s choices, but it doesn’t mean that you have to agree with them. There’s even a chance that you might surprise yourself and realize that you actually do agree with them. Nothing is impossible, right? In the end, everyone can think what they want and go home happy.

Starting off with by saying most of the places mentioned above I have never heard of because I have only lived in Fresno for about two years now. I have heard of Tower District, but not too much about it. That being said, I feel as if I am part of this”In a compelling series of essays, McCracken shows how Americans make selves, lives, and ultimately meaning, through the acquisition and cultural appropriation of, well, all that stuff, including the hipster’s hush puppies, those over-sized front doors, and my own house in a “cool” south Fresno neighborhood.” Now I don’t live in south Fresno, but I do live somewhere in Fresno, where I go and shop at places that feel safe to me. Back home I used to shop in what we now call the “Ghetto” or “east side” as I was growing up, this side of town for me was what I knew and felt proud of where I grew up. Yet now that I have grown older and have a child of my own I try my best not to shop there unless I necessarily have to because I feel unsafe. Deep down inside I know I am not better than anyone who shops there, yet I feel as if they are judging me and feel uncomfortable so i choose to go elsewhere. I think in the end we are all the same, yet I think we also all have a background that maybe wants us to improve ourselves and our future.

First of all, I love Twitter. I think it might be the best social network ever created. So, when I read in the first paragraph that you tweeted from your car in the copper neighborhood, I was immediately drawn in. The more I read the more I was intrigued. I like cathedral ceilings and bacon. I even like big doors. Before reading, I thought this would be another meaningless blog post commonly found on the internet. But I was proven wrong as I continued to read. This was actually a topic that interests me a great deal.
Living in what is considered, by the news, north Fresno, I see the typical middle class lifestyle. Nothing extravagant, just surviving somewhat comfortably. Still, I would argue it more central Fresno than North Fresno. Many friends of mine however see the real north side of Fresno, who actually own houses with the cathedral ceilings and oversized doors. And to be honest, I love it.
I read the post once, then a second time finding much more depth. It was neat the comparison of different aspects of life. From the snake handlers to the materialistic North Fresnans, unique threads are woven to make this post intricately interesting. Perhaps my favorite part was the comment about the “garnished houses in their gated (non-)communities.” I seriously laughed out loud when I read that.
I think though, it is such an interesting phenomena, the idea of those who are scared to go downtown and would rather jump around Riverpark for entertainment. I must admit, I at one point, think I was one of those exact people. Until I went to the tower district and loooovveed it! Now I go failry often. However I do think it is fair to have some sense of fear when visiting the real downtown.
In relevance, I have never really been a magazine reader, which means I can’t say I have ever picked up a Fresno magazine. I have, however, looked at articles like “Best of Fresno” and think I would agree that the depicted companies listed are ones commonly visited by the north Fresno crowd, which would support your comment about the typical subscribers being wealthy, conservative, and have over-sized doors.
Further down the post is the topic of pathological, cultural consumer who collects stuff in interest of materialism. I like the fact that you put culture in their as a part of why we are such consumers. Piggy backing on that, I think many people who can’t afford the luxuries that are displayed in north Fresno tend to lust for those unattainable luxuries. This I think goes along with the culture, which you mentioned. The attainable “American dream” is chased frequently, sometimes without the means to even do it upright. I think that it sometimes is unfair to put a label on the North Fresno population, but I understand where you’re coming from.
I really like the perspective you brought with your post. It made me think about why I’m cautious to go downtown, why I want certain things and if they’re for reasons of materialism, and even why I like big doors and cathedral ceilings.
In the end, I’m satisfied with where I live. I’m satisfied with the things I have. And I would agree that, like you, I have made a meaningful self and life with what I have been given.

This was a very enlightening and humbling post. As I started reading the article, I found myself siding with those against the snake-holding northerners of Fresno for I am also a resident of the more culturally diverse community of the Tower District (my opinion of course). I too am quite familiar with the critical nature of the south-of-Shaw Fresnans because of how we feel that we hold true the meaning of being apart of a community. However, upon reading the paraphrase of the individual who maintained an unbiased view of the way northerners choose to live their lives in similarity to us southerners, I was humbled in my own sometimes negative view of them; They too find personal meaning and satisfaction in all aspects that surround their lives, from the materialistics they choose to indulge in, to the places they choose to shop, and finally the areas they find comfort in living. What the clash of views between both groups comes down to is simply a prejudice/fear of the unknown and unfamiliar. Birds of a feather flock together and people will almost always respond in defensive nature when out of their comfort zone i.e. Northeners in the south and vice versa. One thing I can speak on from personal experience is that Southeners tend to take a greater appreciation for the area around us i.e. south of shaw which includes the historic architecture of the neighborhoods, buildings, independent privately owned businesses, and downtown itself. These are things that many of the North may never choose to have the opportunity to appreciate when their only purpose for visiting the south would be to visit the courthouse, pay taxes, or attend the occasional sporting/entertainment event.

Based on my experiences and observation, I feel that there is no denying the cultural diversity that one finds in southern Fresno. I’ve had the privilege of growing up in the Christmas tree lane/ Vanessa Blvd area of the Fresno High district which is often considered the nicer area of the south. Yet, all it takes is literally two blocks in a given direction and you’re in what the same would consider as a less desirable area. Do we build gates around our homes to fortress ourselves off from the reality of what’s around us? No. We simply acknowledge these parts and live our lives in acceptance of letting whatever happens happen. While I won’t say mishaps don’t take place in our neighborhoods, I will honestly say that in the 20 years I’ve lived in the same one mile area (moved four times), I can’t imagine any more negative events happening in my neighborhood on average than in the north. When it comes down to it, I believe that the more one pays mind to the negative that can happen, the more cases they will find it happening, thus self-fulfilling their notions of what areas may be more dangerous than other. Although I won’t be naive to say that crime rates of the south in it’s entirety are no different than the north, I will say it depends on a variety of factors and that the south shouldn’t be written off in it’s entirety.

This article has really opened my eyes, of how people in the city of Fresno are so culturally unaware of other fellow residents or even other cultures. It is pretty much true that people in Fresno from different parts, don’t know of how people live in the opposite side of town they are in. They strictly stay concerned only with the area they live in and do not go out of their comfort zone to seek knowledge of the rest. These types of people seem to care only about themselves and how they live their lives. All of this allows them to become ethnocentric and not explore other ways of life. One stays stuck with tunnel vision within their own comfort zone and traditions and not bring other perspectives into their lives. A way to avoid this is simply to allow for cultural awareness. To not be so closed to learn new things from people different from our selves. People tend to close off from people around them that are different from them. I have come to understand that people from good areas of Fresno may avoid the bad areas. This limits them from understanding how the other people live and develop; the same can be said vice versa. The only reason why I see people from good areas visiting bad ones is for professional business. A lot of state or city offices happen to be located in bad areas, such as downtown, where the environment lack physical appeal and a live rich spirit. I feel the owner of the Fresno Magazine should be more cultural aware and be more careful when commenting about the residents of Fresno. Warner-Kennedy probably does not care if lower class read the magazine or not, seems that the magazine is aimed more towards the upper class residents of Fresno. An apology should be done by Warner-Kennedy for the comment made. This article has opened my eyes to issues that are very common in our society, but should not be overlooked especially in our own community. Fresno is a city with many cultures; one should not be limited just to their own and come to understand many.

Upon seeing the title of the article I assumed that it would be another sucker-punch aimed at upper middle class people who are continuously told by artsy individuals like those who reside off of Olive and despise places like Fig Garden and corporations like McDonald’s that we are “uneducated” and “don’t appreciate culture.” As the discussion began about the author and their perspective of houses on streets like Copper, my mouse began to inch towards the “previous” arrow so that I may find another article to spark my interest. Being from a upper middle class family that lived in a subdivision in Hanford, I resent “educated” people who look down and regard my way of life to be materialistic and unimportant.
I work hard for a living and Heaven forbid that I choose to live in a home that is not located a block from poverty; I do not want to wake up to streets that smell of urine and be begged for cash by panhandlers at every corner. Does that make my life worth less? Does that make me a bad person? I enjoy spending time in Tower just as much as I do in Fig Garden or River Park. You can’t find a Best Buy on Olive, just like you can’t find a Living Stones or Mr. Sushi on Champlain and Perrin. They are two very different sides of town, each with their own hot spots and places I prefer to avoid. This does not necessarily that one is better than another, and to say otherwise is true ignorance.
Yes, there are many people from economic backgrounds similar to mine that feel like they have no business south of Shaw. Truth be told at one point neither did I. Living in the Cedar and Shaw area for three years opened my eyes to the horrors of Fresnan poverty, and my tolerance for those people who do little less then drink excessively, use drugs or commit petty crimes became non-existent. But after I came of age and was introduced to the pubs, bars and restaurants in Tower I admit that my horizons began to broaden. The polar opposite of this would have to be my sister, who recently just bought a house in Tower District and almost never wanders up to see me in Northeast Fresno at Maple and Teague. But when it comes to jogging near sunset she will call me and talk to me until she gets inside of her house or take a cab rather then walk home after a night out, even though she only lives two blocks away. Her behavior says to people like me: I like to be artsy and pretend to be enjoy the grass-roots industry in Tower, but I need the security and peace of mind I used to get walking alone at night in a subdivision.
So, in conclusion, I can appreciate places like Tower and similar districts in other towns that I visit, but I prefer my house in a subdivision, my nice new pickup and my iPhone 4. But that means I get to explore and have my adventures on the weekends. Let me live my way of life, and I’ll let you get an art degree and spend your first ten years out of college with a nose ring working at a coffee shop. To each his own.

Very interesting article and made clear great points. My friend is a subscriber to Fresno Magazine and almost all the images displayed in the folds are not what you see throughout Fresno. It is based off a the north or northeast of Fresno. It is funny how some people interpret this magazine. I find it stupid and not showing Fresno for what it is worth. Our city has diversified and it seems this magazine is capturing a specific culture and life style. A life style not all Fresno citizens could afford. Really? Spas? Come on, what part south of Shaw is going to give you a lavish life style experience (please excuse my sarcasm). I live north of Shaw Ave. and I have not even seen these places in person let alone the magazine. I hate how twisted and corrupt Fresno is. It is like a chain reaction, starting from Washington all the way to Fresno, California. You gotta love it. There should be a Q&A involving Warner-Kennedy in the hot seat.

This article can be really helpful for those who reside in the city of Fresno because the article discuss why the city of Fresno is divided. I think this article explains more of what the problem is actually about than something else. I lived in the city of Fresno for about a year and I have to say why the people from the North side of Shaw don’t like the Southern side of Fresno. When I was living in Fresno, I live in the North side of Shaw and I really liked it because the atmosphere was so peaceful and nice. Once I went to the downtown Fresno and the South side I was pretty shock because it look like both sides were totally different cities. The North side of Shaw was more nicer, clean and peaceful. In contrast, the other side were older looking, not all clean and more traffic and people walking around. Now, I think that I probably liked more the other side of fresno because I was new to the city and I wanted to make sure I lived in an area that I felt safer. It’s sad to see the city of Fresno suffering from a division within its own city.

I feel that this article points out many of the things that we as Fresnans do not care to notice, no matter how obvious they may be at any given point in time. I really was shocked at how the article made me realize that as a citizen of Fresno (who lives north of Shaw) how little I choose to travel south of Shaw. For two years, I lived just barely south of Shaw Avenue, as in on Sierra Madre Avenue, and I can honestly say, it was not a nice neighborhood. I live a couple of miles away from Shaw Avenue now, and in comparison to many of the other neighborhoods farther north than mine, I am still in an iffy part of town. I have noticed, as well, that since moving, less property crimes have been committed against me, my property and that of my neighbors. When I lived south of Shaw, I had license plates, tailgates, and even tail lights stolen off of my truck. After moving, not a single crime has been committed against me aside from the occasional noise complaint.

This was a great article. It really points out situations that many of us really do not think about. When we walk around our neighborhood and look at our neighbors, we do not think about how different it would be to walk in a neighborhood a few blocks away. I am personally not from Fresno and it has taken me a while to be able to walk around my neighborhood and feel like I fit in. I have been living in the same area for three years now and find myself to fit in with my surroundings. Till this day I still have issues going to different areas of Fresno without feeling out of place. I currently live by CSU Fresno campus and feel comfortable because I am surrounded by other college students. Not being from here, I enjoy going out and exploring the town. The River Park area had seemed like a great place to spend a Sunday afternoon with the girls. In the past three years, I have only been to the River Park shopping center a hand full of times. It was not what I would call my cup of tea. I really felt out of place there. At first I felt like it was too upscale for me, but later came to realize that it was not that the place was too up scale, but that people there felt like they were upscale and made me feel uncomfortable with their looks.
I grew up in a very small town and coming to Fresno was a big change. While growing up my parents would always tell me to keep an open mind when going to new places and meeting new people. I am grateful that my parents taught me this at a young age because of the situation I have been in now that I have moved out on my own. I am not quick to judge people or places by looks. I have learned that my norms and be someone else’s awkward views and vies versa.
People are quick to make judgment when they do not know their surroundings. But as you mentioned in your article, it is easy for some to assume what they see is not normal or out of place. For FM to put judgment on or think for Fresnans can seem like a bad idea. We all have to think about who this magazine is targeting. For the people where “Fresno’s Best” can be the new restaurant at Fig Garden, is who this magazine is for. Every now and then, a broke college student with an exploring mind like me, might pick up a volume of the FM just to see what other people in Fresno are saying. No need to judge someone for what is being published in magazines like this. I have always taken this as a learning experience.
Keeping an open mind and wanting to learn more about the people that are just a few blocks from you, I feel, is key to helping people learn about how rich in cultures Fresno is with all the diversity we have.

McCracken is right and apparently no one seems to be immune from capitalism. I’m very aware of this group of people of act as the “In crowd”. When you read FM magazine, I get a feeling like I’m reading a mass advertisement journal sponsored by the people who live up “north”, written by the people who live up “north”. But I must say, coming from New York City, even the wealthy there are not as snobby as the ones here. The city is very limited to social livelihood.

Even though I live about twenty miles from Fresno in a small farming town, I am in Fresno almost every weekday for either work or school. The parts of Fresno I tend to go to are where my school is, where I am working that day, or where I need to do my errands. Even though I would like to say that I utilize all of Fresno, there are places I am more comfortable in and those where I feel like an outsider. After thinking about it, I would say I visit the “average” shopping areas; like River Park and down Shaw. I pretty much only go to northern Fresno for my tennis shoes (by Fort Washington) and to get my hair cut. I only go to Tower or Downtown if I have a specific need. When I go to northern Fresno, I feel like I am not wealthy enough and when I go to Tower if feel like I am not cool or artistic enough. Either place I feel like I am being judged by the people who live there. While I could pretend that my not going to these two locations lives me out of this argument, what I have chosen to make of my life still defines me. I still look at the stuff I have to measure my success and since I did it on my own I hold them in high esteem even if other people do not. While my car is not new, it was a big step for me to buy it on my own. While I cannot afford a Starbucks every day, I can get one every now and then. We all use our stuff to make a statement saying who we are, even if that means using material items trying to convey that we don’t care, we really do. We all have built an image of ourselves and want people to see us how we want them to see us. I know I stuck to talking about people in Fresno, but the same is for cultures around the world. What the norm is in one culture appears weird to another culture. There is not one set one to live and do things but you have to be conscious that you are making a choice that could be perceived differently by people.

Whether we have money, live in Tower, commute to Fresno, or think of ourselves as just “average”, we are all humans and we are not that really different. Like the lyrics in the song by Ronnie Dunn Bleed Red, “We all bleed red, we all taste rain, all fall down, Lose our way, We all say words we regret, we all cry tears, we all bleed red”. I like this song because it reminds me that even though we might have differences, people are really pretty much the same. As my Multicultural professor once said: “There are more similarities between people than differences”. So no matter where you live, the size of your front door, or any other factor you want to talk about, just remember that we are all humans and deserve to be treated with respect.

The article is very ineteresting. It opens the eys of the reader and makes known the complete differences between the two areas. The location of “north” fresno can argue that their location is better and there schools are better. Which is so not the case. There have been so many developements in the last ten years, that their home and their equity is going to be like a needle in a hay stack. Ass far as school,s ya , they get to pay clovis taxes and go to clovis schools, when they could live in Sanger, in a much bigger, much nicer, and add more value to their home , and go to Sanger, whose scores are actually about the same. So they can sit there and brag all they want, but essentially, who is getting the bigger bang for their buck???

I applaud you for this difficult subject. In your anthropology class you challenge students that people in other cultures live meaningful lives. Can we assume that you are saying that people in non-American cultures tend to live meaningful lives? Given I don’t know exactly who you’re referring to, I myself used to think that most if not all non-American cultures were able to live meaningful satisfying lives for probably the same reasons you laid out in your fine article. I’ve found through my experiences living abroad (Asia), this isn’t always the case. I know you and other readers must assume this.

In an effort to keep my response short, I’ve noticed that many foreigners living in the U.S. in my estimation are just as caught up living meaningless lives (lives not truly actualized, but defined by material things). I’m sorry, I can’t express my ideas as well as you and many of the others who’ve written in. What I see is non-Americans who’ve moved to the U.S. who give little thought to a truly meaningful existence, but instead are wrapped up in the accumulation of things and the continual upgrade of their lives. Any kind of so called spiritual development, let alone personal development, is not even in their vocabulary. The giving/contributing to others and society is a foreign concept. Many of these people who come here leave behind the life they once had and quickly adapt the new consumer-driven model we have created here. It saddens me.